Horse Week: A remarkable All-Ireland Championships for the NICDA

Held from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August and organised by the Horse Sport Ireland Carriage Driving Section, the championships brought together carriage drivers from across Ireland for three days of competition at one of the most famous equestrian venues in the country.

For the NICDA, however, Punchestown 2026 became something very special.

Of the 11 All-Ireland Championship classes contested, an incredible seven were won by members of the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association.

That statistic alone speaks volumes about the strength and depth that currently exists within the club.

From the smallest equines and developing drivers right through to the experienced Open competitors, NICDA members travelled south not simply to make up the numbers, but to compete successfully across the full spectrum of Horse Driving Trials.

Among the outstanding performances were Jacqueline Magennis and Shalamar Chester, who claimed the VSE title; young Mark McAleese and Captain Sam, who became All-Ireland Pre-Novice Junior Champions; James Hare and Chief, whose tremendous partnership secured the Pre-Novice Championship; Philip Stranney, who took the Novice Pony title; Alison Bryson, victorious in Novice Horse; Jeffrey Lyons, who added the prestigious Open Horse Championship to an already impressive season; and Rachel Campbell, who claimed the Open Pony Pair Championship.

Seven champions. Seven different stories. But all representing one club.

What perhaps makes the achievement even more significant is the variety of those victories.

The NICDA champions included junior and adult drivers, single ponies and horses, pairs and VSE competitors. It demonstrates that the strength of the Association is not concentrated in one particular class or level — it runs throughout the club.

And the Northern Ireland presence at Punchestown went far beyond those who stood at the top of the podium.

A tremendous contingent of NICDA competitors made the journey to support the championships, accompanied by families, grooms, backsteppers and friends. NICDA members could also be found working behind the scenes and undertaking official and voluntary roles throughout the weekend.

That is perhaps the real story of Punchestown 2026.

The seven All-Ireland titles were the headline achievement, but behind every driver entering the arena or tackling the marathon obstacles stands a much bigger team.

Throughout the 2026 season, NICDA members have competed together, trained together, helped one another at events and travelled countless miles with horses, ponies, carriages and equipment. Experienced competitors have encouraged those coming through the classes, while volunteers and officials have given their time to provide opportunities for everyone to compete.

At Punchestown, the results of that collective effort were there for everyone to see.

There was also a particularly poignant Northern Ireland connection during Saturday evening's presentations when Linda Applebe, winner of the Open Pony Championship, received the Robert Johnson Memorial Cup for the Best Marathon Performance.

Robert was a highly respected and much-loved member of the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association and a close friend and backstepper to Alex Bryson. To see a trophy carrying his name presented at the All-Ireland Championships ensured that his contribution to carriage driving continues to be remembered at one of the sport's most important events.

Punchestown itself provided a fitting setting for the occasion. Few venues are more closely associated with Ireland's equestrian heritage, and to see carriage driving taking centre stage there made the weekend particularly memorable.

The championships opened with dressage on Friday, followed by the excitement of the marathon on Saturday and the final technical challenge of the cones on Sunday. Changeable Irish weather may have tested competitors and organisers along the way, but it did little to dampen the atmosphere.

Great credit must go to the Horse Sport Ireland Carriage Driving Section and everyone involved in delivering the championships, including organiser Sarah Mullins, President of the Jury Joyce Simpson, Technical Delegate and NICDA member Terry Logan, Course Designer John Kennedy, the judges, scorers, stewards, obstacle personnel and the many volunteers whose work made the three-day championship possible.

For the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association, there can be enormous pride in what its members achieved.

Seven of the 11 All-Ireland Championship titles returned north with NICDA members — almost two-thirds of all the championships available.

Yet perhaps the greatest achievement was seeing a club supporting one another hundreds of miles from home.

Competitors celebrated each other's successes. Families and friends helped wherever they were needed. Members stood at the side of arenas and marathon obstacles cheering on fellow NICDA drivers, regardless of class.

That is what makes the achievement about much more than seven trophies or seven championship sashes.

It is about a club.

It is about the people who organise events throughout the year, the landowners who open their gates, the officials and volunteers who give their time, the families who support competitors and the experienced members who are always prepared to offer advice or lend a hand.

Most importantly, it is about a shared love of carriage driving.

The Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association has enjoyed a tremendous 2026 season, but the results achieved at Punchestown surely represent one of its proudest moments.

From Northern Ireland to one of Ireland's greatest equestrian stages, NICDA members demonstrated just how much talent, determination and friendship exists within this incredibly enthusiastic association.

Eleven All-Ireland Championships. Seven won by NICDA members. One very proud club.

Punchestown 2026 will take some beating.