Important Update Regarding Connemara Pony Show – 2025

Important Update Regarding Connemara Pony Show – 2025

Dear Member / Business / Organisation,

We write to give you an update on the annual Connemara Pony Show, our efforts to ensure it remains in Clifden along with how you can show your support for it.

Who is the current status of ‘The Show’?

We are delighted to confirm that the Connemara Pony Show, held annually in Clifden, is 100% confirmed for 2025.

The Show, attracting people from all over the world is the premier event for the Connemara pony and will take place in 2025 over four days, from Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd August.

 

Who is running ‘The Show’?

To ensure the continued success of this iconic event, a dedicated company, Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG, has been established to independently run and manage the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden (including the Showgrounds) for an initial period of three years.

The new company is overseen by a board of trustees representing the Connemara Chamber, equine industry, local political representatives, and community leaders. Together with a wider team of dedicated individuals, they will take full responsibility for the management and organisation of the show going forward.

The Trustees of Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG are: Mary Coyne, Gerry King, Eileen Mannion, Karen Mannion, Terence O’Toole, and John Sweeney.

 

Why was it necessary to establish a dedicated company to run ‘The Show’?

In January 2025, to secure a full four-day Show Programme in Clifden, the newly formed company made a proposal to the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) to take over the running of the Connemara Pony Show. This proposal was adopted by the CPBS membership and subsequently ratified by their newly elected Council. See joint statement on ConnemaraPonyShow.ie.

 

What is the format of ‘The Show’ in 2025?

2025 marks the 100th Connemara Pony Show — a truly historic milestone. A full show programme will take place over four days (see attached), featuring all the traditional show elements alongside exciting new additions to celebrate the centenary.

 

Why It is Important to Support ‘The Show’ in 2025

Delivering a four-day show of this scale is a significant logistical and financial undertaking. The new show company has assembled a dedicated team of volunteers who provide invaluable support in the preparation and staging of the event.

While all available public funding has been secured to help offset costs, private support remains critical to the Show’s success — both for this centenary year and into the future.

The Connemara Pony and its premier show hold enormous national and international appeal. We all witnessed the public’s disappointment in 2024 when the Show’s future was uncertain. To retain the economic and cultural benefits of this 100-year-old event, it is essential that we, as a community, show our support.


3 Ways to Support ‘The Show’

  1. Purchase advertising space — promote your business while supporting the Show (see rate card attached)
  2. Become a Friend of the Show — make a donation via their website.
  3. Engage with the Show Volunteers — join them in making the 100th Connemara Pony Show the best ever.

 

Yours Sincerely,

John Sweeney
Damien Joyce
Terence O’Toole
Simon Ashe
Conall Joyce

Connemara Chamber
Platform 6, Galway Road, Clifden
Connemara, Co. Galway
H71 VH51
www.connemarachamber.ie