Death of legendary Connemara Pony – Sillogue Darkie

Sillogue Darkie

Sillogue Darkie the remarkable Connemara Pony, bred and owned by the Briscoe family passed away on Sunday last. Sillogue Darkie was ridden by many of Ireland’s top young riders in their pony years. As his riders grew too old for the pony ranks he was passed from one upcoming rider to another. Riders who rode him successfully include Michael Duffy, Jessica Burke, David Blake, Benny Kuehnle and Alexander Butler. The Connemara pony had an incredible CV with nearly one thousand Showjumping points recorded, Sillogue Darkie qualified for the prestigious 148cm All Ireland Championship at the RDS seven years in a row, He Competed on numerous pony Nations Cups  teams and contributed to Silver and Bronze medals at European level. In an on line poll in 2010 he was voted the Connemara Pony of the previous decade.

Owner Ciaran Briscoe said: ‘On early Sunday morning Sillogue Darkie passed away after taking very ill suddenly in his home yard. Nothing in the way of veterinary intervention could be done.’

‘We the Briscoe family are proud to have bred, owned and competed Sillogue Darkie who represented the Connemara breed and the Irish sport horse so well for many years. He had many accomplishments both at home and internationally (with the Irish team where he won a bronze and silver European Championship medal. He was voted Connemara Pony of the Decade in 2010.) ‘Darkie’ has left us many fond memories of great days that will never be forgotten.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald said; Sillogue Darkie was a truly Legendary pony, he made an outstanding contribution to Irish Pony Showjumping teams over the years. The Briscoe family deserve huge credit for keeping him in Ireland and making him available to so many Irish riders for the Irish team.”

Sillogue Darkie (CP) – 1996 grey gelding by Ard Talisman (CP) out of Coillchru Esmerelda (CP) by Grange Sand Sparrow (CP). Bred and Owned by Eamon Briscoe, Drogheda, Co. Louth.