Cumann Marcaíochta Gaeltacht Dún na nGall 2021

26 teams and 104 riders from all over the western region lined out in Sligo for the Team Show Jumping Qualifiers at Kerins Equestrian Centre. All were vying for the coveted prize of a place at the final in the RDS Dublin Horse Show. The course proved quite tricky with a wide range of spooky fillers and bending lines catching quite a number of horses and riders out. By the end of the first round there were only 7 teams on zero faults including our own team of Rosaleen, Ruth, John and Tricia. Our second team of Carmel, Packie, Laura and Tricia were not far behind with a team total of only 4 faults while our third team of Carla, Mickey, John and Laura who were all riding young horses lying further down the field. With so many teams on either zero or four faults, it was anyone’s game going into the second round. Both horses and riders were tiring after the long day resulting in very few clear rounds. By the end of the second round three teams-Benbulben, West Coast and our own team of Carmel, Packie, Laura and Tricia were on 4 faults, all in with a chance of a place at the RDS or the Wildcard Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival. Thus ensued a nail biting jump off between the three teams. First to go was Tricia and Dandy who rode an impressive clear round in a very fast time, setting the time to beat for the other teams. Next up was Benbulben, who’s team captain rode a very fast clear round, just beating Tricia’s time by less than one second and putting Benbulben into the lead. Last to go was West Coast’s team captain. He got off to a flying start but had an unfortunate 2 poles down leaving them in third place. Our team of Rosaleen, Ruth, John and Tricia finished in a great fourth place while our young horse team of Carla, Mickey, John and Laura finished credibly in the middle of the pack. Letterkenny, Inishowen and Tirconaill Riding Clubs all had a great days competition finishing well up the leader board.
With Benbulben securing their place at the RDS, Tricia, Laura, Carmel and Packie now have the exciting opportunity to compete at the Wildcard Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival in two weeks time. Eight teams from all over the country will compete against one another to try and win the last spot at the RDS. This is set to be a thrilling competition and we will all be there to support and cheer on team Donegal Gaeltacht-could it possibly be a third trip to the RDS for the club? Either way we wish them the very best of luck! Photos from the qualifier can be viewed in Letterkenny’s Gallery with more of our own to follow in due course.