Borris Vocational School showjumping is off to a flying start for 2023/24 EII Interschools League. The season kicked off on 17th September at Boswell Equestrian Centre, Wicklow where team of three, Rosemary Dundon, Harry Griffith and Ella Kidd defied horrendous weather conditions to secure a very commendable 4th place in the team event.
The second outing of the season was in Wexford Equestrian Centre on 24th September, where the Borris Vocational School team outshone 19 other school teams to clinch first place in an impressive victory. Flying the flag for Borris on that delighted winning team were, Harry Griffith, Darragh O’Brien, Dearbhla Sheehan and Ella Kidd. In the 90 cm Individual EII Qualifier Dearbhla Sheehan came an impressive 2nd, Rosemary Dundon was in 4th place, and Darragh O’Brien was placed 5th. This was an enormously successful result since the Borris students managed to take home 3 of the 6 prizes on offer in that individual event.
The third outing of the season for Borris was held in Coilóg Equestrian Centre, Naas on 1st October. The students of Borris Vocational School were again not found wanting when it came to grit and determination. Ella Kidd secured a stunning 1st place in the 80cm individual event on her horse Coppenagh Otto. Ella beat more than 25 other riders from all over the country in that competition. The Borris team, consisting of Darragh O’Brien, Dearbhla Sheehan, Rosemary Dundon and Harry Griffith jumped four double clear rounds and two clear speed rounds bringing the team in 2nd place overall. After an impressive display of jumping the team was just pipped at the post on time. Striking out on a solo run Darragh O’Brien competed in the 90cm individual event and secured an impressive 3rd place. Darragh is the youngest member of the team having just joined our school last September. With loads of ability and plenty of equestrian experience already behind him, Darragh is already making his mark on this team.
These young riders must be commended for the dedication they show to their sport. They are improving and honing their skills at every competition and are certainly ones to watch as the showjumping season progresses. At the moment Borris Vocational School are top of the leaderboard. There is still much to be done and many competitions to follow, but this is an exceptionally good start, and we wish all these young riders the very best in the events ahead.
We are as always, eternally grateful to all the parents who drive the length and breadth of the country at weekends to attend these competitions. A big thank you also to Karen Griffith for her role as Chef de Quipe of the team. We look forward to following this young and eager team as the year progresses.
