Winner alright! This year's Louisburgh Horse Show had it all

The Louisburgh Horse Show is a yearly event, held in an amazing location at Carrowmore Beach. Indeed, there isn’t a venue to match it in Ireland. It faces the sea, which makes it an exquisite view.
This year it was on Sunday, July 21, and we were all holding our collective breaths, hoping that the sun would visit. Sadly, it was not to be – though that didn’t stop the fantastic Louisburgh Community from attending. It’s the best community ever for supporting local events.
The show attracts dog, sheep and horse followers from far and wide. There was a terrific line up including, a pony show class, a dog show, sheep show and, of course, the fantastic show jumping. This is a real family day out, with kids’ entertainment and music galore. Nicole O’Malley was busy as usual with her Melody’s Brew. Isn’t there something so welcoming about a tea or coffee on a dull day?
Every tourist to Louisburgh must have been there as the crowd was huge, and the atmosphere was fun and jolly.
One of the popular attractions was the massive display of vintage cars provided by local businessman John O’Malley, who supplies cars for films and TV – including the hugely popular Top Gear. He’s brilliant for just leaving the cars open, and I spotted many couples and children both taking selfies and having photos taken. Well done John!

Best Dressed Lady
My job on the day was to judge the Best Dressed Lady competition. This event is sponsored by Brendan Sammin, in memory of his beautiful late wife, Eithne, who was a stalwart of the committee. Each year, the winner gets a crystal vase in her memory. It’s such a special prize, and Brendan does her proud every year.
I was walking around in the drizzle looking for a winner when I came upon Tommy Bennett, the main man! I wished there was a prize for Best Dressed Man – he’d have won it. He was looking resplendent in suit, tie and tweed cap. No such prize though, so I kept going.
It’s difficult on a wet day to choose Best Dressed, as so many of the ladies were more concerned with keeping dry. There’s always one, though, who stands out from the crowd; I just had to be patient.
Then I spotted her in the distance, a lady in a pink floral dress, with an eye-catching umbrella that had the same colours as the dress. The outfit was finished off with gorgeous beige suede boots, and jacket. As well as being fab it was so appropriate for the day that was in it.
As she came nearer, I realised it was our own Louisburgh lady Brenda Staunton, and she was glowing. Nothing like a bit of rain was going to stop her from glamming up! She told me the umbrella was a gift from her husband, John, when they first met – a Claude Monet scene no less. It was divine and would bring her anywhere. Hold on to it Brenda, but if you consider putting it into the next Louisburgh fundraiser it will be snapped up, probably by me!
The show jumping continued until around 8pm, but I was long gone by then, as the rain had really taken hold. There was still a festival atmosphere as I left, with one and all commenting on the welcome Louisburgh provides to both participants and attendees. A day for your diary for next year!

Maggie Gibbons is an image/style consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.