Longford sees it's 43rd Connemara Pony Show
Ballinalee is gearing up ahead of the 43rd annual Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show which takes place on Sunday, June 8.
Preparations are nearing completion ahead of the 43rd annual Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show which takes place on Sunday, June 8.
The show, which is always a great family event and features face painting, kids entertainment, pony rides and amusements, was officially launched last Friday evening at a function in Rawles Bar where the guest speaker was Irish Shows Association (ISA) regional committee member Martina Jameson.
The main sponsor of the 2025 Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show is Finola Heslin of ‘Heslin Sports Horses’ and Show secretary Orla Brady said the committee were ‘extremely grateful’ to Finola for her support.
Action at the showgrounds gets underway early on Sunday, with activity in Ring 2 commencing at 9am and Ring 2 starting from 10am.
Ms Brady explained that Ring 1 will feature in hand classes with the finest of the Connemara breeds on display. Mares and foals to the most popular breeding stallions.
Ring 2 will serve up a wonderful display of ridden classes with a great display of jumping promised on the day.
Ms Brady pointed out, “We have four qualifiers in the pony rings. Two for the biggest Connemara Show of the year at the Clifden four day event in August, one for the 3year old Filly All Ireland Final in Ballinasloe in September and one for the Oughterard All-Ireland 39th Ridden Championship Final.”
Longford Pipe Band will also be in Ballinalee on Sunday and they will lead the parade from 2pm that will kick off the family fun activities. Attractions include face painting, pony rides, bouncy castles, hook the duck and much more.
Another highlight on the day is the Dog Show, with two qualifiers advancing to the Gain All-Ireland Dog Show Final in Clonaslee in September.
Entry on the gate is €10 per car and kids go free.