24-05-2025
TG4 series to probe the popularity of the Connemara pony
A four-part series examining the enduring popularity of the Connemara pony in Irish society today will be shown on TG4.
Called 'Capailliní', the series is set to start on Thursday, May 29 at 8:00p.m.
Traditionally, the Connemara pony has thrived for centuries on the region's rugged mountains and craggy seashore – and has been shaped by that same harsh rural terrain.
For generations, families in Connemara relied on this work pony for survival.
Today, the Connemara pony is one of the most well-loved and sought-after sports ponies in the world.
Despite its worldwide appeal, some owners and breeders have called for stricter breeding guidelines and height regulations, creating controversy in the pony world.
The TG4 series delves into the world of breeders, riders, buyers, and sellers to establish why exactly this Irish pony is so revered.
Máirtín Ó Neachtain. Source: TG4
In episode one, Máirtín Ó Neachtain from Rosmuc – a generational pony owner – is preparing for another busy season of pony shows, while Connemara Pony Breeders' Society member, Peter Ó Máille talks us through the process of inspecting Connemara ponies.
Also in attendance is Connemara Pony Breeders' Society president, Daragh Ó Tuairisg. The society has introduced a new measure this year aimed at promoting the breeding of the smaller traditional-type pony, by helping smaller ponies gain class 1 status.
Later, Gearóid and Patrick Devane share their strong opinions regarding the protection of the traditional-type Connemara pony.
In episode 2, Máirtín Ó Neachtain is at the Corrundulla show with Glencorrib Missy. Show organiser Lucille Smyth outlines the importance of the country show in Irish society. In Cois Fharraige, generational pony owner Róisín Ní Ghionnáin, prepares her stallion colt Old Stone Tucker for the Roundstone show.
We also meet Kildare-based Connemara woman Finola Nic An Iomaire. She introduces her four-year-old mare, Knocmena Eloise, who is being trained to compete in events this summer by young rider, Aoife Brennan, who plans to enter Eloise in the Midlands Breeders' Society Connemara Show in Mullingar.
In episode 3, Nic An Iomaire attends the Midlands Connemara Pony Show with Knocmena Eloise, and her rider Aoife. In Clifden, we meet Connemara Pony Breeders ' Society secretary, Áine Ní Fhoghla as she prepares for her busiest week of the year and the highlight of the Connemara Pony calendar, the Clifden Show.
Daragh Ó Tuairisg. Source: TG4
In Trá Bháin, generational pony owners the Ó Ráinne family are also preparing their stallion to travel to Clifden. At the show, Seán we meet Ó Conaire and his father-in-law, Jerry, who have travelled from Limerick hoping to claim a rosette, while Máirín Ó Neachtain battles the rain with Glencorrib Missy. With the weather wreaking havoc, Connemara Pony Breeders' Society and its president Daragh Ó Tuairisg have a tough decision to make.
Episode 4 features Mike Frank Ó Confhaola, a pony enthusiast who travels by pony and cart as a pastime. In Athenry, the remainder of the Clifden Show takes place. We meet Colm Sullivan and his nephew Colm McCauley, who inherited a farm in Léim, where the famous Connemara pony Cannonball once lived and worked.
At the pony sales in Clifden, an insight is provided into pricing trends, while in Carlow, Gloria Nolan shows us her facility where elite ponies are prepared for the commercial market. At the historic Maam Cross fair, buyers and sellers discuss what they believe the future holds for the Connemara pony.
Peter Ó Máille. Source: TG4
