O’Hara Struts Her Stuff at Connell Hills SJI Horse Grand Final

It was Saturday and the ‘rain man’ made an entrance, just for a little while making a quick departure, as Connell Hill welcomed competitors for the final of the May SJI Horse League.  From early morning the venue buzzed as excitement grew and grew for the mission ahead – competing to win.  Course Designer, Colm Quinn and Judge, Katy Saunders worked tirelessly throughout the day adjusting and judging tracks for, what can only be described as, outstanding rounds of jumping.  Katy quickly jump started the show with the 80 cm class which saw Joanne Wilkinson, from Bellaghy, take the first league placing of the day on her own, ‘Yellow Moon’ and Stephanie Doherty, from Eglinton, stand second on her own, ‘Beechmount Champ’.  From Tobermore, Claire Spillane Pattison then triumphed taking first place in the 90 cm and 1.0 m league on, Ann Spillanes, ‘Cor De La, with Kevin Mackey, from Dungiven, taking a well deserved second on, Cindy Cunninghams, CS Indian Moondust in the 90 cm class and Zoe White, from Culmore, cruising into first place in the 1.0 m class on her own ‘Tahoma Cruise’.  This was certainly some day as the 1.10 m challenge shot into action which saw Kevin Mackey take the honours of first place in the league on, Richard Hughes, ‘Some Night’ and second place on, Helena O’Kanes, ‘Legavallons Mac’, and Emma McEntee, take second place in the class on, Sarah Agnews, ‘GalwayBay Hummer’.  Along the side line spectators, grooms, owners all gathered, each attempting to gain their best vantage point to witness this sublime show.  And with this came the 1.20 m challenge and from Coleraine, Claire O’Hara, a very talented young rider with huge drive and affinity to jump ahead in this most elite sport, triumphed taking first place on, Brendan O’Haras, ‘Tiffcrum Penny’ in the league and class, and also second placing on, Vincent Burtons, ‘Drumrankin Ruby’ in the league; with John Higgins, from Magherafelt, on his own, ‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’ taking second place in the class.  Following this huge action, adrenalin packed day the clocks still ticked for the 1.30 m class which saw Fiona Coyle, from Derry, continue on from her Balmoral success stand in poll position on her own stallion ‘Arion-E’ with Kevin Mackey nipping into second on, Helena O’Kanes, ‘Legavallons Moonshine’ and John Higgins stand third on his own ‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’.  Congratulations to one and all and Connell Hill would like to express their thanks to everyone for their support throughout this league, Course Designers, Colm Quinn, Alistair Megahey, and Ray Buchanan, Judges, David Greene, Janet Currie and Katy Saunders, starters, arena crew, staff, grooms and competitors, for their full show turnout, without whom this would not have been the success it was.  Don’t forget our Summer SJI League has commenced and will continue throughout June and July on Thursdays commencing at 10.00 am, 80 cm – 1.30 m where we will be delighted to welcome everyone.