Over 160 teams took part in Tipperary school's successful showjumping championships

St Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town, recently hosted their inaugural inter-schools showjumping competition in Garranemore Equestrian Centre, Pallasgreen.

With a total entry of 164 teams from across the country, the event turned out to be a tremendous success.

Students from both primary and second level schools turned out in large numbers from early morning to late evening.
The event was superbly organised and serves as a template for future events.

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The concept for such a large undertaking was the brainchild of St Ailbe’s teacher Michael Butler.

Many of these equestrian events take place in Leinster, leaving a shortage of such competitions in Munster. It also gave a number of local schools, such as St Ailbe’s and St. Joseph’s, Tipperary Town, a platform to display their talents and challenge themselves against some of the best underage showjumpers in the country.

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For the competition itself, there was a total of five classes, with prizes from first to sixth, best turned out rider and best ETB school.

On the day the St Ailbe’s team featured Sarah O’Connor, Lexie Ryan, Mia McCormack and Katie Murphy, while Hannah O’Connor and Kayla Crowe competed in the individual event.

Overall, Causeway Community School, county Kerry, took home the team prize and were also victorious in the ETB category.

In the individuals, St Ailbe’s student Hannah O’Connor claimed first prize with her sister, Sarah coming second, in the above 80 cms class. Congratulations to both students.

St Ailbe’s thank the main sponsors, Martin Ryan Haulage and The Equestrian Warehouse, Clonmel, for their generous sponsorship. They also extend their sincere thanks to Ruth O’Connor, whose experience and wisdom were invaluable on the day.


A big shout out also goes to Michael Butler and his St Ailbe’s team of teachers, who turned the occasion into a terrific and highly organised event.

Thanks also to all participants for making the effort to attend and everyone is wished the best in future events.