Infectious appeal of Aga Khan prize

THERE is something about the Aga Khan trophy that tickles the interest of the Irish.

It is perhaps linked to the love affair the people have with horses, the pageantry of marching bands or the achievement of Army and civilian jumping teams over the ages.

Some people think it may have something to do with the fact that the prestigious trophy, which was first put up for competition in 1926, helped achieve international recognition for the infant Irish State.

Whatever the reason, the infectious appeal of the occasion was not diminished yesterday as crowds again thronged the Royal Dublin Society showgrounds in Ballsbridge, where President Mary McAleese was among the invited guests.

There were “oohs” and “aahs” from the Irish supporters as they followed the ups and downs of the home team, whose hopes were carried by horses that were partnered by two Army officers, Comdt Gerry Flynn and Captain Shane Carey, and two civilians, Cameron Hanley and Conor Swail.

Ireland, along with Switzerland, finished joint third, behind the winners, Germany, and the second-placed United States of America. The competition had a total prize fund of €150,000 with €50,000 of it going to the winning German team.

Yet some people never ventured near the jumping arenas or even the horse showing rings. Instead, they spent their time in the shopping arcades which were packed all day long.

Some people even availed of the opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping at some of the 300 trade stands in what was a classic piece of forward planning to avoid the hectic seasonal spending spree.

The North’s Sports Minister, Edwin Poots, met with President McAleese and invited her to attend the Belfast International Indoor Horse Show later in the year. It was his first visit to the Dublin show and he was reported to have been very impressed.

Northern support for the show, which cost €3.3 million to stage, was again strong with a large number of people attending from across the Border.

Celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin and top show jumper Jessica Kurten made a special appearance on the Holmstead Saddlery stand where they signed autographs and spoke about their recent achievements.

Meanwhile, Arts, Sports and Tourism Minister Seamus Brennan said the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show — which continues today and tomorrow — is the country’s largest and longest running equestrian festival.

It brings together world class showing and jumping contests and showcases Irish bred, owned and trained horses and their riders as they demonstrate why Ireland is truly “The Land of the Horse”.