Dunmanway Show All-Ireland Young Show Person Competition 2026

Dunmanway Agricultural Show is delighted to announce that it will host the All-Ireland Young Show Person Competition at this year’s show on Sunday 5th July 2026.

Class 245 – All-Ireland Young Show Person is designed to encourage and support young people involved in showing and the wider sport horse industry during a key stage of their development within the sector.

The championship is open to exhibitors aged 16 to 23 years as of 1st January 2026. Competitors may present any type of horse or pony over one year old, provided the animal is registered in an approved studbook. The animal itself will not be judged, with the emphasis placed firmly on the exhibitor’s skill, presentation, and horsemanship.

For safety reasons, colts will not be permitted in the class. Previous overall winners are not eligible to compete in the following year’s competition.

The class will operate on a direct entry basis, with competitors judged on:

• Demonstrable understanding of safety when handling and showing horses

• Skill in presenting their animal in hand, including walk, trot up, and standing for conformation assessment

• Overall impression, including appropriate attire and turnout

Competitors should also be prepared to answer questions relating to their horse or pony, together with their general interest in showing and breeding.

All competitors will receive a commemorative rosette, while competitors will also compete for a substantial €1500 prize fund.

Entries for the competition close on 24th June 2026.

Further information and entry details are available at:

Dunmanway Show Official Website

This class is funded by the Breeding Grant Initiative, under National Breeding Services, with thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.