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The Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour 2025 drew to a close in sunshine at Warrington Equestrian, Co. Kilkenny, where nearly 200 combinations competed across three divisions for top honours and a total prize fund of €6,000.
This year marked a special milestone, the 10th anniversary of Mervue Equine’s sponsorship of the league, which continues to attract riders at all levels from across the country.
“The 10th Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour concluded with a super day of top-class jumping in the sunshine at Warrington Equestrian with fantastic entries. The league was as popular as ever, with all levels of riders and horses competing at the 12 legs around the country, with a great following all summer,” said Ciara Watt, Head of Equine Sales at Mervue Laboratories.
“It was inspiring to see so many talented young riders do so well this year and competing against some of the top riders in the country. Special thanks to all the competitors for their support, the host venues and the hard-working team at Showjumping Ireland for their commitment and passion throughout the summer.”
Taking the overall 1.35m league win was Francis Connors riding RNH Valentino, a nine-year-old gelding by Van Gogh out of a Beach Ball mare, owned by Raymond McChesney and bred by Normand Hammond.
“I’ve been fortunate to win this league before, and it’s always highly competitive – a great achievement to have on your record,” Connors said.
“The final was very exciting, and it was fantastic to see such strong numbers taking part. A big thank you to Mervue for their long-standing support of this league, and to the Leinster region for organising it. Warrington did an excellent job hosting the final, and it was lovely to have the sun shining on the day.”
Connors’ closest challenger on the leaderboard was Sven Hadley with Maximum Numero Too HSH.
Young Rider of the League: Conor Brennan with MHS Jersey Girl
Pro-Am Champion: Niamh O’Connor Barry on Drumiller Vegas
It was a breakout day for young riders, who claimed five of the top six placings in the final Grand Prix class.
Marta Hughes Bravo & HHS Figero – 35.08
Gemma Phelan & Curraghraigue Jack Bro – 36.48
Conor Brennan & MHS Jersey Girl – 37.29
4th – Abbie Oakey & Moningo-D Van ‘T Heyveld – 39.00
5th – Bridin Doyle & Boleybawn Rigaletto – 42.47
6th – Robin Carey & Luicruz – 35.01 (4 faults)
Amateur rider Laura Walshe and Ballinaguilkey Heritage topped the 1.20m leaderboard after a consistent season. The 1.20m final also recorded the highest number of entries, with 63 starters.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win the league. I have been following it all summer, having only stepped up to 1.10m. I have a one-year-old and, at the start of the season, I didn’t know if I would have the time to compete at this level.
“It was especially meaningful to have two home-breds in the line-up, with my sister Lisa also featuring in the 1.10m on another home-bred.
“I’d like to thank Mervue and the Leinster committee for all their hard work. The rosettes, the prizes, the professionalism – the league was second to none. There was always a Mervue representative at each leg, fully invested in the series. The Leinster committee did trojan work, and they made the final a truly special day.”
Lorraine Younge & AA – 29.24
Jenny Connors & Fortnight – 30.16
Sven Hadley & Make It Easy HSH – 30.35
4th – Patrick Doyle & Longhill Cruising – 30.66
5th – Emily Moloney & Cruising On the Ridge – 30.98
6th – Sven Hadley & Uidam – 31.50
Walshe also claimed the 1.10m league title, just ahead of Marie Hartley (Nikita Van Het Heidenhof) and Lisa Doyle (Ballinaguilkey Dignified).
Young Rider Champion: Brona Keane & Krafty Krackers
Hannah McNiven & Hey You – 35.33
Marie Hartley & Nikita Van Het Heidenhof – 35.64
Lisa Doyle & Ballinaguilkey Dignified – 36.30
4th – Caroline Ryan & Killerisk Conor – 36.59
5th – Laura Walshe & Ballinaguilkey Heritage
6th – Caoimhe Treacy & Hz Dido – 37.90
Speaking on behalf of the Leinster region, Marguerite Ryan thanked Mervue for a decade of continued support and acknowledged the work of the Leinster team:
“Thanks to the team at Mervue for their fantastic support of the league over the past 10 years and the Leinster team of Hilda Keane, Maureen Bagnall and Taylor Vard for all their hard work behind the scenes.”
The Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour continues to be a shining example of grassroots and high-performance showjumping working hand in hand — and we’re already looking forward to 2026.
