I remember over hearing a conversation that Paddy the yank McDonagh had with a friend on the day of the show telling a story of why this show came about and I quote “Having a few jars with my father one night, we really would like to bring the Connemara pony show back to Roundstone one day”.

A few years on Paddy the Yank McDonagh son of Tom (T.J) and Mary McDonagh and Pat Mullen has brought that dream come true, so in honour of his father and mother, on a spectacular setting on Farrell’s Road, work started a few years back with the help of modern technology and Frank McDonnell. The site was a very care fully worked out to allow adicaite parking and safety for the public etc.

Friday the 7th July.

Joanne Conneely, Martina Conneely and Ailbha Creane organised at the Eldon’s Hotel the judging of the first Connemara Pony Show queen, out of nine ladies Clara Conneely was chosen with runner up Emer King.

Paddy the yank was the compare for the evening. The two judges were Martin Vincent Mannion and Eva Heanue from Clifden.

Mickey Mac had chosen a special song for the Show of which he sang for us, which incidentally is on his new CD; from the sales of the CD he donated the takings to the show, followed by an American duo for some dancing.

A fun evening all around and great to see good support from the local community.

Photos of the evening can now be seen on the website.

We were hoping to find the finest man and women for the show on the Saturday but the heavens opened all day, so this did not come to pass.

At this stage we were getting very worried about the weather for the show.

Chairman’s Address.

It gives me great pleasure as chairman of the Roundstone Show to welcome each one of you to our show. I welcome each one of you to our show. I welcome all our local people and our visitors who have come to support us.

Safety and well being is our priority and I ask you to adhere to all our safety signs erected on the grounds and to obey our Safety Officers and Stewards.

My Committee and I are truly indebted to all our sponsors whose generosity made the show possible to run. For this we are sincerely grateful.

My job as chairman is made easier by the enthusiasm and dedication of my fellow officers, committee members and all the willing helpers that turn up every year. To them I extend a sincere thank you.

8am Sunday 9th July

We met on the show grounds for final preparations; the day was not looking too promising.

However, by 10 o’clock, classes commenced with Judges Ronan Conneely, Ervallagh and Pat Mc Grath, Cregmore

Class 1:

Yearling Colt, sponsored by Sid Worley, Derada West, Roundstone this class was won by Cathy snow-Coyne and Martin Coyne with

Moreland Macdara.

2nd Michael Conroy with Cashel Hill Lad

3rd John Joe O’Neill, Galway with Caherlistrane Prince

4thBernard Keaney Murvey ~Roundstone with Murvey Benny

5th Thomas Conneely, Roundstone with Derroe Champ

The sun broke through.

Class two:

Yearling filly sponsored by Martin and Bridie Conneely, Ervallagh won by Sean Walsh, Foreglass, Ballyconneely with Slackport Rose.

2ndMegan King, Ballyconneely, with Sea Queen

3rdMary Little, Ballyconneely, with Little Shilty

4thSean King, Ballyconneely, with Corrib Prince

5thSid Worley, Derrada West, Cashel with Derrada Lisa

Class 3

2 and 3 year Old Colts, sponsored by the McNamara Family, for a perpetual Memorial Trophy.

This class was won by Michael Mullen, Cleggan, co Galway with

Fairy Hill Ford.

2nd Tara De Courcey, Roundstone with Clogherboy Lad

3rd Raymond Conneely, Errislannan, with Black Shadow

So far so good the day was getting warmer and warmer, everything was running on time, the crowds were beginning to swell, moral was high.

Class 4:

2 Year old Filly sponsored by the McDonagh Grandchildren, Brooklyn, New York, USA for the Tom (TJ) MacDonagh Memorial Trophy’

Point of Interest Here, Paddy’s father Tommy was well known for his two year old Filly Roundstone River which dominated many shows.

This class was won by Padraic & Nicola Heanue, Ballinaboy, Clifden with

Grange Anya Sparrow.

2nd Gerry Griffin, Inverin, Co, Galway with Rathcoona Ruby

3rdCaillin Conneely, Roundstone with Letterdyfe Rose

4th Feichin King, Ballyconneely, with Rochelle Dolan Lass

5th Rose Fitzgerald, Cork with Corabbey Tiger Lilly

Class 5:

3 Year old Filly Sponsored by Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, Naples Florida, USA. This Class was won by Robbie Fallon, Cashelbay, Connemara Pony Stud, with Cashelbay Heather

2ND Lorraine & Christy O’Connell with Inishowen Misty

3rd P.J Burke, Oughterard with Creggrush Realta

4th Sean Conneely, Clifden with Glen Ellen’s Fancy

5th Paddy Joe Conneely, Oughterard with Bunnagippaun Fuchsia

Class Six:

Junior Championships, winners of classes 1, 2,3,4,5,

Sponsored by William J.Diamond, Renvyle, Co, Galway

The Junior Champion was Robbie Fallon, Cashel and California, with Cashel Bay

With runner up Padraic & Nicola Heanue, Ballinaboy, Clifden with

Grange Anya Sparrow.

Class 7:

4 to 6 year Old Mares with or without Foal, sponsored by John Sweeney, the station House Hotel, Clifden.

Won by Thomas Mullen, Garraubawn, Ballyconneely with Lakeside Lass.

2nd Tommy O’Brien, Recess with Sally Lass

3rd Declan Nee, Renvyle with Stradbally Marcadi,

4th Peter O’Malley, Carraroe, Galway with Hana’s Glory

5th Bernard Keaney, Murvey, Roundstone with Murvey Cara

Class 8:

Judged by Geroid and Henry Whyte.

Stallion 4 years and Over, sponsored By Pat and Bernie Mullen, Gurteen Bay Caravan Park, Roundstone.

Won by Sid Worley, Derrada West, Roundstone, with Ballinavilla Prince.

2nd Barbara Hoffman, Recess, Galway with Starsky

3rd Eamon Burke, Castlebar with Clooneil Cashel

4th Ann O’Brien Conroy, Ballyconneely with Glencarrig Lexus

5th Michael Mullen, Cleggan with Fairyhill Tomboy

Class 8A.

Donkey Class.;

Judged and sponsored by Richard de Stacpoole and helped with Martina Conneely, with valued advice from Geroid and Henry Whyte, this was an easy and fun decision, as we only had the two young brothers from Bridget Lee’s family, from Ballyconneely.

Fair play to the Lee family for making the effort to support the class, at least they went away with some cash and two nice trophies.

As this is always considered a fun class, even if no donkeys appeared the class would have continued, not quite what you would have expected, I have a large plastic sculpture of a donkey and Cart, which was also brought into the ring for showing but I got piped by the two lads Ha! Ha!

Perhaps we will have more donkeys next year.

Class 9:

7 / 12 Year Old Mares with foal,

Sponsored by Robbie and Barbara Fallon, Cashel.

Won by Michael Nestor, Barnacranny, Bushy Park, Galway with

Portacarron, Colleen.

2nd Tom Bourke, Claremorris, Co, Mayo with Misty

3rd Michael Conneely, Clifden with Ardbear Belle

4th Dymphana O’Brien, Oughterard with Emloughan Beauty

5th Mary Little, Ballyconneely with Aran Jessica

Class10;

7 – 12 year old Mares without Foal,

Sponsored by Roundstone Music-Malachy Bodhran, Roundstone

Won by Seamus Keady, Shannagurran, Spiddal, Co, Galway with

Gleann Rua Sea Mist

2nd Martin Feeney, Moycullen with Danesfield Rose

3rd William Diamond, Renvyle with Murphy Blue

4th Maureen Gibbon, Ballyconneely with Ballymoe Tazamania

5th Mary & Riona McTavish, Carna with Drumcong Daisy

Class 11:

13-17 year old Mares with Foal

Sponsored by Oran Precast, in fact Oran Precast where the overall show sponsors.

Won by John Folan, Keeraune North, Errislannon, Clifden with Mountain Tingo.

For some unknown reason, the other entrants for this class did not turn up.

Just before class 12, Minister Éamon Ó Cuive came to officially open the Connemara Roundstone Pony show, with an address from our President of the show John Luskin, and then the Minister walked in to the ring for class 12 with our Pony Show Queen, Clara Conneely.

Class 12:

13- 17 year old Mares without Foals

Sponsored by the children and friends of the Roundstone National School for the Christopher Conneely Perpetual Memorial Trophy

Won by Frank Joyce, Cloonislaun, Ballina, Co, Mayo with Cailin OG.

This was a lovely class for the Conneely Family, Loran, and Christopher’s daughter who is 10 years old presented the cup to the winner while the Minister was in attendance.

2nd Robert & Eamon Nee, Recess with Glencoghan Lady

3rd Marcella O’Halloran, Moyard with Annaghdown Martina

Class13:

Colt Foal

Sponsored by O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant

Won by Tom Bourke, Newtown Clogher, Claremorris, Co, Mayo.

2nd Esther Feeney, Connemara Pony Stud, Moycullen

3rd Damien & Triona Gorham, Ballyconneely

4th Michael Nestor, Bushy Park, Galway with Keyser Soze

Class 14

Filly Foal

Sponsored by Michael P Mullen, Doohulla, Ballyconneely, and New York, USA

Won by Hubert Flaherty, Annagh West, Collandulla, Co Galway.

2nd Feichin King, Clifden with Bunowen Castle Eille

3rd Tommy O’Brien, Recess.

4th Pat O’Neill, Ballyconneely

5th Sean King, Ballyconneely with Ballindoon Princess Sparrow

Class 15.

Gelding Class – No age limit

Sponsored by Neil McKay, the Bunker, Roundstone, Co Galway.

Won by Sid Worley, Derrada West, Roundstone, with Pony Deirdre Cracker

2nd Rose Fitzgerald, Middleton, Cork with Robe Knight

3rd Emma Johnston, Roundstone with Tommys Pride

4th Bridget Snow, Clifden with Buachailin Ban

5th Deirdre Holmes, Clifden with Muffin Jack

Class 16

Mares – 18 years old and over

Sponsored by Sue and Claude Toumanhoff, California, USA.

In memory of Pauline 1801.

Won by Patrick Conneely, Doohulla, Ballyconneely, Galway.

Sue came all the way over from California to be present at the show and present the trophy to the winner.

2nd Evelyn Nee, Ballyconneely with Lecarrow

3rd Grace Murphy, Taylors Hill, Galway with Lakeside Lady

4th

Feichin King, Clifden with Bunowen Castle Lady

5th Johnny Conneely, Clifden with Moate Princess

Class 17

The Championship

Sponsored by our President John Luskin with a challenge cup, and €250 for the winner and reserve €100.

Champion: Seamus Keady, Spiddal, Galway, with Gleeanne Rua Sea Mist

Reserve Champion: Frank Joyce, Ballina, with Cailin Uasal

6pm the Champions were paraded through the village of Roundstone escorted by the show Queen Clara Conneely. There was something very special in the air as the horses were paraded through the village.

Conclusion;

A lot of work has been put into this first show from so many people to make it work, I think Paddy has every right to be very pleased the way the show went, let it be said that Paddy can be very proud to what he has accomplished re the site, what he has done for Roundstone, as well has the tribute he has given to his parents and his immediate family.

There was such wonderful atmosphere of interest and fun, basket making stalls, paintings etc.

The Dog show was a very well attended, and well run by Lorna Hill. The excitement of the kids with their dogs was intense and I would like to think very well judged by Sir Roger Thompson.

Photos to follow of the dog show at a later date.

I would also like to add that as an added bonus, the show grounds in Roundstone will host on the 24th September 06 the all Ireland Champion of Champions of which the Supreme Champion will receive €2,000.

Paddy is looking into the possibility of holding concerts on these spectacular Grounds

Sheep:

Paddy Connolly and his son Damien ran the eight sheep classes, with judges Paraic Hopkins and Eamon King.

Roundstone Pony show 9th July Sheep Show Results

Black Face Section:

Pair of Ewe Lambs:

(1st) Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

(2nd) Des Heanue, Letterfrack

(3rd)David Regan, Renvyle

Single Ram Lamb:

1st Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla.

2nd Martin Connolly, Dolan

3rd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

Pair of Hogget Ewes:

1st Martin Connolly, Dolan.

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd David Regan, Renvyle

Pair of Old Ewes:

1st Micky Mullen, Doohulla

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Martin Connolly, Dolan

Hogget Ram:

1st David Regan, Renvyle

2nd David Regan, Renvyle

3rd Martin Walter Connolly

Old Ram;

1st Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla.

3rd Ted Sherwood

Champion Blackface of the show,

David Regan, Renvyle, Hogget Ram

Reserve Champion,

Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla, Ewe Lambs

Crossface Section

Any crossface pair of Ewe Lambs;

1st Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Des Heanue, Letterfrack

Any Cross Single Ram Lamb:

1st Nicky Burnes, Oughterard

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla

3rd Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

Pair of Suffolk Ewes:

1st Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla

3rd Des Heanue, Letterfrack

Pair of cheviot Cross Ewes:

1st Des Heanue, Letterfrack

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Martin Walter Heanue, Letterfrack

Cross Bred Ram of any age:

1st Micky Mullen, Doohulla with PEDRO

2nd Connor & Marion Heanue, Renvyle

3rd Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

Champion Cross Bred of the Show:

Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard, with a Pair of Suffolk Ewes

Reserve Champion:

Micky Mullen, Doohulla, with PEDRO the Ram

Finally, I feel sure that Paddy would allow me to thank all those that gave their free time to make this show successful.

The Pony show Committee, Ted Sherwood, Michael Ferron, Peter Kerrigan, Tom Griffin, Tom Mullen, Michael Conneely, Brian Mullen,

Brian McDonnell, Brian Conneely, Cathal Mullen, David McDonagh and Brid King.

Wow what a great weekend here in Roundstone with every aspect of the arts, great music and mighty Crac, without giving out too much details of what one did and didn’t, just use your imagination.

Roundstone Arts weekend:
I thought I would give a little run down of the last few days of the Arts weekend.

Thursday
we had the opening here in the gallery showing the works of the four artists who were part of the residency for the last two weeks, some very good works, and just to let you know the show will remain for another week.

Then in the evening we had music in the Hall of errisbeg with Joe Chester and Emmet Scanlon “ what the good thought”, Talking about Emmet what great musician they are certainly are a rising Irish Band to watch, but the best part for me was when most of the visitors left, there way of windinding down was to play amongst them selves in to the we hours of the morning, the same sort of scenario we had some years ago with Damien Rice, Emmet by the way has been invited By Damien to play in Stradbally at this years electric Picnic. Wow what an extraordinary feeling to have a semi private session in the house, you just can’t pay for that

Friday:
Lots of things for the kids to do more music with Altan in the community Hall and our own Fiachra O’Regan and Gary Jones played in the Roundstone Hotel. And an early barbecue again at my place for the youth club with a few other guests

Saturday:
More things to do for the kids, one in particular was the kids painting hunt in the grounds of my place, with Paula de Courcey, and Kate Ferron as leaders, it was noisy and fun, I did not really realize the grounds of errisbeg are ideal for all sorts of events. Then at the Roundstone Hotel Sara Agrellas who has been working in O’ Dowd’s for the past few years, Sara is an artist and print maker launched her second book it is beautifully presented with all the images of Roundstone, of which a few copies are on display here in the gallery, as well in other venues around the village, well done Sara

Sunday:
More music in the village, and then a huge birthday Party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Roundstone Arts Week, with Barbecue that started at 3.30 and ended at 8.30pm, the concert should have been outside on the tennis courts, but according to the Met office, we were supposed to have rain, so it was decided not to take the risk with all the electrics so it ended up in the community Hall instead.

All said and done, a lot of work went into the organizing the weekend, I know what it is like to make things work, there was a little noise element in the wee hours of the morning, one must be careful of our senior citizens, how one control this, I am not sure, a festival is a festival, I would like to think that Ann and Sheena would like me to thank the mighty few who volunteered their time to help out, it’s a thankless job but well done you guys, so to remind you that part two of the Arts week will be held July 28th, 29th, 30th

Irish Nights:
The Irish nights are starting up again having being absent last year, Wednesday 5th July and every Wednesday until the end of August, these nights will commence 8.30pm sharp to 10.30 pm, and of course as usual these nights will be hosted with no better person than Christina Lowry, there will be lots of local musicians, local Sean Nos dancing, singing and raffle prizes

Roundstone Pony show:
Well it’s all going to happen this week to iron out the finer details, for next Sunday 9th July kicking off at 10am. We still need a few more ladies to come forward as Queen of the show, of which the judging will take place on the Friday night at Eldon’s Hotel, so please lets have a few more contestants, there are lots of good looking girls out there, so please girls don’t be shy, it will be a fun time. Just get in touch with Joanne Conneely on 086 8775450, or if it helps get in touch with me and I will guide you in the right direction, oh and while I think about it more donkeys please, that’s for the donkey class of course on the ninth July

Loran Conneely:
Our congratulations to Loran Conneely who reached her 10th Birthday on Friday.

Also good wishes to Olivia Thornton daughter to Sean and Imelda de Courcey, Olivia gave berth to a baby Boy, “Master Toby”

To end off more birthday wishes to some of our senior Citizens, first of all to Sara Nee who has reached her 90th birthday tomorrow, whoops I was always told never to divulge a lady’s age, but hey what can I say, sorry but you are looking good Sara, and the same goes to May King, May will also be ninety on Wednesday, congratulations to you both and have a great day as I am sure you will if I know your family.

Not quite so senior another happy birthday wish, this time to Paul Broderick, Paul by the way is an assistant chef with Siobhan Vaughan at the Roundstone House Hotel, so happy birthday Paul

Well that’s all from me, at last an early night coming up, I hope, thanks for listening, and a gentle reminder it’s the Green Bags that go out Tuesday morning.

Have a great week, and see you at the show on Sunday, and please bring Donkeys

Sláin abhaile

R.D.C Press Release
Roundstone Community Development Council welcomes the decision of

An Bord Pleanala June 22nd 06 in relation to an application by Jackie Folan to build 7 houses in Roundstone. The Bord has granted permission subject to several conditions chief among these the stipulation that the houses can only be sold for full-time occupancy use and therefore cannot be used as holiday homes.  The Inspector noted the importance of this very fact in his report:

“In my opinion, particularly in the context of the proliferation of existing holiday homes in Roundstone as well documented in the submissions on file, any permission for the proposed residential development should in particular include a condition restricting use/occupancy of the proposed dwellings to ‘permanent occupation’ use only, and specifically require that letting of the proposed houses for use by persons other than the owners and permanent residents should not occur”

This is in line with positive sustainable development of the village of Roundstone and as such Roundstone Community Development warmly welcomes the decision of the Board.

Ballot Paper:

The result of the Roundstone Community Development Council Ltd Vote in relation to the following question “Are you in favour of large scale holiday home developments in Roundstone”?

Total votes Caste;
Total Votes Caste 275, Spoilt Votes: 11, Valid Poll 264.

Result of the vote:
Yes 101 (38.3 %), NO vote 163 (61.7%), Total 264 (100%).

Votes counted and results complied by Mannion Lochrin & Co, charted Accounts, Clifden, Co, Galway 26th June 2006.

At the end of the day there are no winners and losers as such, with the out come of these to agenda’s it is just possible the community will have to com together’ there is so much miss conception that RDC blankets all building progress, this is not the case, if a developer wants to come to our area for a development, and is able to give us affordable housing as well as some industry, RDC would be in favour to back it. Local people and their heirs have the right to build for the future; RDC will back them before the Developers.