IT Sligo sports scholarship student Kevin Gallagher secured the most prestigious win of his young equestrian career to date when he won one of the main showjumping titles at the 2017 Balmoral International Show in Lisburn last week.
IT Sligo Sports Scholarship student Kevin Gallagher from Ballygawley aboard Kilarado in the winners’ enclosure at Balmoral Show last week. (L-R): Padge Whelan (Dengie – event sponors), Kevin Gallagher & Declan McGarry (Owner). Picture: Prime Photography.
20-year-old Kevin, who’s is a native of Ballygawley in Sligo, produced a clear round aboard Kilarado to win the Dengie six-year-old Championship, which is a jump-off against the clock.
“I was in with some very illustrious company, competing against international and grand prix showjumpers,” said a delighted Kevin.
The success comes in the middle of a very busy period for Kevin, both inside and outside the showjumping arena, as he is currently in the middle of his first year BA (Honours) in Accounting end of year examinations.
“Juggling my academic and showjumping commitments in recent weeks has been challenging but I’m very grateful to IT Sligo’s Sports Scholarship programme,” said Kevin.
“Without the Scholarship support, studying full time and competing at this level simply wouldn’t have been possible.”
The Balmoral Show event was a double success for Kevin as he rode Libido Van D’hofken, to second place in the same competition. Both horses are owned by Declan McGarry from Carrowmore in Sligo.
IT Sligo Sports Scholarship student Kevin Gallagher.
Picture: James Connolly.
Kevin’s busy showjumping schedule will continue after his examinations as he takes part in the qualifying competition for this year’s Dublin International Horseshow at the RDS.
