The Limerick/Clare Branch Annual Awards Night afforded members the chance to meet old and new friends before the 2011 season kicks off. The night was a huge success and was enjoyed by the 250 in attendance at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, County Limerick. 

Leading Pony Rider & Leading International Pony Rider

 Tom Foley was awarded the Leading Pony Rider and Leading Interational Pony Rider awards for his outstanding achievements throughout 2010. The Clare native claimed the Eye Cup at the European Pony League in Chevenez, Switzerland in addition to winning Grand Prix classes at Fontainbleu, Rowallan, Scotland and on home soil at Cavan. Foley also notched up victories in 1.20m Speed Classes in Fontainbleu, Weirdan, Holland and Chevenez. The talented rider was also a member of gold medal Nations Cup Teams at Chevenez, Weirdan and Fontainbleu.  

Leading Horse Rider & Leading Young Rider

Scariff native David Blake made history when being the first rider to be awarded both of these awards in the same year. Blake accounted for the Five Year Old Carling King Championship at the RDS aboard Grand Illusion and placed third in the Six Year Old Cruising Championship at the summer showdown with Cuffsgrange Lux Good. Blake also placed consitently in the HSI League and took 4th place in the final at Tatterstalls. The Clare man also represented Ireland at the World Breading Championhips in Lanaken and also won two international classes at Cavan.  

 Leading International Rider

The award for the leading international rider was a closely fought affair between Limerick born riders Joan Greene and Paul O' Shea.

Greene was a member of the winning Nations Cup Team at Ypaja, Finland and performed well in the Grand Prix classes at Balmoral and Drammen (Biscaya D'Eversem). Greene also claimed the hotly contested Four Year Old Championship at the National Championships aboard Single Payment.

Paul O' Shea, now based in the USA, captured the much sought after Premier League title, the Naional Grand Prix League and the Leading International Rider at the RDS having won the International Speed Class (Daydream St Ghyvan Z) and the 6 Bar (Camiro De Haar Z).

Having considered the outstanding achievements of both riders two awards were made in this category.

Owner/Breeder Awards

Owner/Breeder Awards were made to Jimmy Flynn & to Willie Boland in reognition of their outstanding contribution to the sport over the years. Jimmy Flynn is renowned for his assosication with Heather Honey and Heather Blaze. Heather Honey was bred by Noel Nihill who was also in attendance on the night but was later campaigned by Flynn. Heather Blaze was a legend in her time winning the King George Cup in Hickstead and the Masters in Calgory. Flynn also bred numerous horses who represented their country at the Junior Eurpoeans including Heather Day (Billy Twoomey), Heather Drum (Noel Barry) and Heather Honey also competed at this level with Brian McMahon. Another of Flynn's produce Diamond Heather won the Boomerang partnered by his nephew Finbarr Keating.

 Tulla man Willie Boland bred Chipmount who was by Flagmount Boy. Chipmount recorded high profile successes at Calgory, Hickstead, Spruce Meadows, Paris and Eglinton. Boland also bred Chipadiamond who competed and won at Dublin, Hickstead and Salthill. Unfortunately the multiple Grand Prix winner Chippison was the only off spring of Chipmount.  

FEBRUARY 2011