The official launch of the 101st Connemara Pony Show Clifden took place at Clifden Town Square in recent days.

It brought together members of the Show Committee, volunteers, sponsors, pony enthusiasts and the wider Connemara community to begin the countdown to the world’s largest celebration of the Connemara Pony.

The launch was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. Andrew Reddington.

He acknowledged the enduring importance of the Connemara Pony Show to the region’s heritage, tourism and rural economy before wishing the committee every success with this year’s event.

Welcoming guests on behalf of the Show Committee, Karen Mannion said the Connemara Pony Show has been at the heart of the community for 101 years.

“The Connemara Pony Show is a celebration of our heritage, our culture, our people and the remarkable Connemara Pony,” she said.

“It belongs to the people of Connemara and every volunteer, sponsor, exhibitor and visitor plays a part in ensuring this wonderful tradition continues to flourish for future generations.”

Connemara Pony Show

A highlight of the evening was Karen’s announcement that Clare Oakes has been appointed Show chair for the 2026 Connemara Pony Show.

Welcoming Oakes to the role, Mannion praised her enthusiasm and commitment and said she looked forward to working alongside the new chair and the entire Show Committee in delivering another outstanding event this August.

Speaking following her appointment, Clare Oakes said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Show chair for the 101st Connemara Pony Show.

"This event means so much to Clifden, Connemara and the wider pony community, and I look forward to working with our dedicated committee, volunteers, exhibitors and supporters to deliver another outstanding Show this August.”

Among those attending the launch were Denis Duggan, chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland, Nadia Rea of the Irish Horse Board, the newly appointed president of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Kevin Bolger, together with CPBS Council members Ann Marie Conroy, Gearóid Curran and Kathleen Keaney-Conroy, along with representatives from local organisations, businesses and community groups.

Addressing those gathered for the launch, Denis Duggan reaffirmed Horse Sport Ireland’s commitment to supporting Connemara Pony Show.

Horse Sport Ireland, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), has increased its support for the 2026 Connemara Pony Show with an additional €5,000 in prize funding, bringing its total investment in this year’s show to €15,000.

The launch also celebrated some of the outstanding champions from the 2025 Show, with several past winners attending the evening.

Among them were Glencarrig Douvan, the 2025 Supreme and Ridden Champion, presented in-hand by owner and breeder Patrick Curran; Lankill Lad, Dual Ridden and Working Hunter Champion, with owner and rider Lauren Kerins; and three-time Ridden Champion rider Grace Maxwell Murphy, who attended with her own stallion Glenville Glic, continuing her long association with success at Clifden.

Running from August 18-21, the 101st Connemara Pony Show will once again transform Clifden into the international home of the Connemara Pony.

It will welcome competitors and visitors from Ireland and abroad for four days celebrating the breed, the region and its vibrant community.

This year’s programme includes:

The world’s largest display of Connemara Ponies;
Domestic arts exhibition;
Dog show;
Irish dancing competition;
Live music and entertainment throughout the week;
Family attractions and community events;
A celebration of the heritage, culture and traditions of Connemara.