Latest news with #ThomasDuggan
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Photos from Cork show all the exciting action of the International Horse Trials in Millstreet
With 15 countries participating, favourable weather bar a shower or two made for a hectic atmosphere in the picturesque Green Glens Complex and Drishane Estate. Some of the best horses and riders in eventing circles descended on the North Cork location by ferry and truck with visitors drawn from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and across Europe. The picturesque setting against the backdrop of Clara Mountain and Drishane Castle was a perfect amphitheatre for cross country with dressage and show jumping hosted in the adjoining Green Glens Complex. 'We are overwhelmed and delighted that so many international riders are coming to Millstreet, it was the largest entry since the event commenced in 2015, the arrival of so many leading figures in the international eventing world is a major highlight in the Irish calendar and we have been working hard to ensure some great competitions and a fun weekend,' said Event Director Thomas Duggan. Upwards of 400 horses were in Millstreet, riders included double Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo and Paris Laura Collett, the Great Britain rider is a MBE recipient for her pursuits on the world stage. Collett was joined by compatriots Emily King, Izzy Taylor, Max Warburton, Jack Pinkney, Harry Horo and Gemma Stevens. Stevens figured prominently in a number of categories and savoured the Millstreet atmosphere. 'What a weekend in Millstreet, to enjoy success here is something quite special at a great venue. For me, it's also such a relief to win on the Irish bred Flash Cooley because I've been second in a CCI4*-L class four times', she said. Australian Kevin McNab, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics is a popular visitor to Millstreet, amongst his strong line up was Newmarket Amy, bred by the Scarteen Equine Farm in Newmarket and sold to Co. Meath based Rhiannon Burton with McNab becoming the regular pilot. En route to Millstreet, the pair enjoyed success at the Strzegom Show in Poland, a podium place also in Millstreet. Four time Olympian Austin O'Connor was back in familiar territory, the Mallow native and UK-based rider delivered one of his finest performances to date at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials recently, finishing third overall aboard his long-time partner Colorado Blue. The Drishane Cross Country course saw new developments, the terrain bedded in well over recent months, new fences and a reshaped water development adding to the appeal against the backdrop of Clara Mountain with Event Director Thomas Duggan accepting the plaudits. 'We are thrilled that so many international competitors want to come here to educate their horses and enjoy the superb courses and footing here. 'It has been such a successful showcase for the Irish Sport Horse,' he said. Equestrian excitement returns to Millstreet next month for the Pony and Young Rider Show from July 3-6 with the Millstreet International CSI2* Horse Show scheduled from July 23-27.
Agriland
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Kiltulla & District Vintage Show on track for 8th edition
Kiltulla & District Vintage Show & Family Fun Day is on track to return this May Bank Holiday weekend, with the main event – including the Loughrea & Attymon railway exhibition – on Sunday, May 4 at Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co. Galway. Now in its eighth year, the weekend kicks off with the ever-popular auto jumble, running on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. Sunday's main show and family fun day will feature a collection of vintage cars, tractors, trucks, motorbikes, a display of steam engines, and a large exhibit from Emerald Roadmakers. Visitors to the show can enjoy live threshing, a saw bench and wood-cutting display, and demonstrations of old time farming techniques such as butter churning. Live music, a dedicated children's entertainment field, and food and trade stalls are also part of the programme. New for 2025 is a special celebration of local heritage, the Loughrea & Attymon railway exhibition, marking 50 years since the closure of the branch line and commemorating its 85-year history. In partnership with Dunsandle railway station, the display will feature over 120 rare photographs, archival newspaper reports, and personal railway stories, capturing the spirit and legacy of this iconic local railway. Opened on December 1, 1890, and officially closed on November 3,1975, the Loughrea and Attymon railway served as a vital nine-mile lifeline connecting rural Galway to the national rail network. From as early as 1835, local gentry, clergy, and political figures in Loughrea began lobbying for the construction of a railway, concerned that the town and surrounding areas would be left isolated from the rest of the country's expanding rail network. Their fears were realised in 1846 when Loughrea was excluded from the main Galway railway line, but influential local leaders -including Lord Dunkellin, Bishop Thomas Duggan, and landowners such as Lord Dunsandle – persisted in campaigning for rail access. Their efforts culminated in the passing of the Loughrea Railway Act, which authorised the formation of the Loughrea and Attymon Light Railway Company. Construction of the branch line from Attymon to Loughrea began in 1889, navigating difficult terrain through Killimordaly bog, with Dunsandle the only intermediate station, marking it as the last branch line of its kind to be laid in Ireland. Operated by the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR), then the third largest Irish gauge railway company in the country, the line was the shortest railway in Co. Galway. For nearly 85 years, the Loughrea and Attymon Light Railway played an integral role in the area's economic and social development. It facilitated trade, boosted agriculture, and supported local industries. The railway also impacted significantly on education, employment, and leisure, while also influencing patterns of emigration. Prominent figures like Lady Gregory utilised the railway to ship wood from her estate at Coole, as did Lord Dunsandle from his own lands. The railway was instrumental in major local developments, such as the construction of Loughrea cathedral, with materials brought in via the line. In 1903, special trains were even commissioned for the consecration of Dr. Thomas O'Dea as bishop of Clonfert, bringing guests from Dublin and Galway. Despite its importance to the area, the line faced ongoing threats of closure, largely due to growing competition from buses and lorries. During World War II, rail service was reduced from four trains per day to two, while in 1947, severe snowfall led to the suspension of services entirely, which did not resume until June of that year. Over the years, Loughrea ratepayers subsidised the railway in a bid to keep it running, holding public meetings to protest against closure proposals. However, the mounting pressure from modern transport alternatives proved insurmountable and the line was closed in 1975.
