Haggling the day away at horse fair

In the early morning sun at Spancilhill Horse Fair, business is brisk and north Clare farmer and matchmaker Willie Daly is a happy man.

On the lane leading into the green at the one-day fair, Daly has just sold two Connemara ponies.

He says: “Three months ago, I had big prices in my head, but I do realise that the market is not good. I have about 45 ponies at home so I’m glad to get rid of a couple of them and it’s two less horses for eating grass.