Two of the region’s top jockeys were honoured at a function held in The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna last Saturday night.
Lombardstown native, Michael O’Sullivan and Shane Baragry from Castlelyons both finished their point-to-points campaigns with 5 winners each and as a result were joint winners of the prestigious, Bill Twomey Perpetual Trophy – an award presented annually by the Cork & Waterford Injured Jockeys’ Fund.
The fund was formally represented by long serving chairman, Willie O’Neill and Gerty Murphy, the current chairperson of Tallow point-to-point committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gerty congratulated the two young riders on their achievements and wished them well for the future. She also paid tribute to Bill Ronayne who passed away earlier this year.
Gerty, described Bill as ‘a Trojan worker, a great point-to-point supporter and a man who gave outstanding service to Tallow point-to-points’. A minute’s silence was observed.
EQUESTRIAN BACKGROUNDS
Both riders honoured come from strong equestrian backgrounds. Shane Baragry’s father, Jerry, was a successful jockey on the point-to-point scene, while Michael O’Sullivan’s father, William, also had an impressive riding career which culminated with a Cheltenham winner in the Foxhunter’s Chase on board, ‘Lovely Citizen’ in 1991.
Last Saturday night’s event was hosted by Cal Moroney, proprietor of The Winner’s Enclosure.
