Burchill Shines in the Young Handlers Championship at Dunmanway Show

Horse Sport Ireland proudly sponsored the Young Handler Championship at Dunmanway Show last Sunday, the 11^th of July. The overall aim of the Young Handler Championship is to demonstrate an understanding of safety when handling and showing horses, and from the level of Handlers who presented at the show, it is exciting to see that the future of handling it is progressing in such a positive way.

While the quality of handlers presenting on the day was exceptional, it was Deirdre Burchill, of Skibbereen, Co. Cork presenting Litton Eloguence, who was crowned Champion of the class. Reserve Champion was awarded Tara Daly, presenting Merramar, and third place was awarded to Soairse Keohane presenting Janpete China Doll.

Deirdre Birchill, Young Handler Champion, pictured with her family and pony Litton Eloguence

When speaking with Paddy McCarthy, the Horse Sport Ireland representative at the show, he noted that ‘the quality of animals and the handlers was absolutely super and the level of interest from the competitors was fantastic. The cream of the crop presented in the class. All eight of the competitors were champions. It was spectacular.’ He also noted that ‘This class is the way forward for these young handlers. It is a fantastic schooling ground for them and many of the participants are offered great working opportunities with some of the best studs and equine yards in the world on the back of this class.’ When speaking about the show he relayed ‘The show was really well run and the class itself was very well judged. The showgrounds were also in immaculate condition, so the Munster Agricultural Society must be commended. The sponsorship from Horse Sport Ireland for the Young Handler Class was also fantastic and it is great to see such support being given to such a great initiative.

Young Handler Champion, Deirdre Birchill and Litton Eloguence

Full results of the Young Handler Class can be seen below:

1^st Deirdre Burchill, Rineen, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Litton Eloguence. Sire: Pickmere Sirocco. Dam Litton Elite. Breeder: Mr & Mrs E Morris & Mrs M Kerrell Reg: 826037011089121

2^nd Tara Daly, c/o Meelin Stud, Bandon, Co. Cork. Merramar, Passport: 372ire45096670t, Age: 14, Bay, Mare, Sire: Kasmyo, Dam: Timerry, Breeder: P.j O Driscoll

3^rd Saoirse Keohane, The Barn Gallery, Gurranes South, Drimoleague, Co. Cork. Janpete China Doll, Passport: 826046020172379, Age: 7, Bay, Mare, Sire: Wortley Fisher King, Dam: Cadlanvalley Venus, Breeder: Mrs. J. A. Mansfield

4^th Saoirse Keohane, The Barn Gallery, Gurranes South, Drimoleague, Co. Cork. Janpete China Doll, Passport: 826046020172379, Age: 7, Bay, Mare, Sire: Wortley Fisher King, Dam: Cadlanvalley Venus, Breeder: Mrs. J. A. Mansfield

5^th Ellie Duggan, Prospect Grove, Dunmanway, Co. Cork. Canalmore Coleen, Reg: M3-372100400024749, Sire: Ivy Rock Prince, Dam: Riverside Lady

6^th Megan O Sullivan, Ballytrasna, Old Pallas, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. Rollswood Nureyev, Passport: 3128 76, Age: 18, Palamino, Gelding, Sire: Cusp Fingerprint, Dam: Rollswood Firedance, Breeder: Mr G. Williams