Banteer Gymkhana expected to attract huge entry
Credit: PICTURE: MIKE ENGLISH
Fergus Bushell, President of Muskerry Golf Club, presents his prize to winner Mick Lavelle, who had a level par round and a score of 43 points. Also included is Irene Bushell.
Thursday September 02 2010
THE popular Banteer Gymkhana promises to attract huge entries on a staging on Sunday next. A mixed array of pony and show jumping events will dominate proceedings from early morning to dusk. The staging takes place on the picturesque grounds of Dromcummer adjacent to the river Blackwater thanks to the kind permission of Dermot and Margaret Lehane..
Equine followers near and afar return each year to enjoy the bumper programme commencing at 9am and the expected fare will continue over a ten hour schedule.
Upwards of 550 entries are expected to be surpassed within spacious arenas with a massive € 10,000 prizemoney on offer. Organisers are headed by Chairman Dermot McCarthy; Secretary Gerry and Marie Sweetman; Treasurer Betty O'Connor and many loyal volunteers.
Ms Sweetman indicates entries were running at record level in many of the classes with enthusiasts coming from all over Munster and nationwide.
"Our venues contribute enormously to one of the most successful gymkhana's ever staged in equestrian sport. Banteer is now ranked amongst the foremost within the province", she said.
A total fund of € 10,000 in prizemoney is significant where there will be keen competition for the pony grand prixs in 128cm, 138cm and 148cm leagues with boys and girls going in search for the ultimate spoils.
Additionally there are finals in both the Greyhound Night 110m League and 130m Greyhound Night Grand Prix with € 3,000 prizemoney.
"There are many other pony and horse classes operating in five arenas, all in a picturesque setting at the Drumcummer venue", said Ms Sweetman.
Proceeds from the staging go towards the St Joseph's Foundation based in Charleville.
- John Tarrant
