Press release
Minister Ring officially opens Connemara Pony Festival
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Show has benefited from €812,000 of funding provided to the Irish Shows Association by the minister’s department.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, officially opened the Connemara Pony Festival today (Thursday, 16 August).
The Connemara Pony Festival, which is celebrating its 95th year, was assisted through an €812,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development to the Irish Show’s Association (ISA).
Minister Ring said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be here today to officially open the 2018 Connemara Pony Festival. This is the 95th year of this show, which happens to be the biggest Connemara Pony Show in the world. Shows like this are still an integral part of community life in rural areas.
“I was delighted to provide funding of €812,000 to the Irish Shows Association last year, which is to go towards running costs of up to €7,000 for various Shows across Ireland in 2018.
“I am very pleased that this show has benefited for this funding, demonstrating as it does, some of the best of rural life. I am always heartened by the level of community participation and support involved in making these events happen on the ground, and I have committed to making funding available again in 2019 to assist with this.
“Finally, my sincere congratulations to everyone involved in this Show, especially the Station House Hotel in Clifden, Galway Irish Crystal & Horse Sport Ireland.
“I would also like to thank those who make their land available and to all the volunteers that help to make this event happen, and thank you for inviting me to open this show today and I wish you all the very best of luck for the future.”