Showing how it's done: Three generations of Limerick family win Leader Cup
Askeaton family’s unique showjumping success at Limerick Show
THE LIMERICK Leader Cup is in very safe hands as three generations of the same family will now have their names engraved on it for the first time.
The cup has been presented to a winning rider in the prestigious showjumping section at Limerick Show every year since 1946.
However, it could be renamed the Moran Cup after the Askeaton family’s historic third success.
The late Michael Moran started the legacy in the 1950s when he claimed the cup. His son, David, followed in his dad’s footsteps in the mid 1990s and this year it was the turn of his daughter, Denise, to do the business on horseback.
She claimed the marquee Widdess Fitzgibbon Pharmacy 1-metre showjumping class in style and brought the Leader Cup back to Askeaton once again.
“I couldn't say it was an ambition of mine but it was the hope that one of the girls would win it at some stage,” said David, who is also chairman of the showjumping committee at Limerick Show.
David and wife Ellen have two more daughters - Aisling and Libby - who are also keen showjumpers.
“They have the disease as well,” smiles David.
And Denise could do something that neither her dad or grandfather managed - win the Leader Cup again - as she will be back again next year to defend her title.
This year marks the 80th year that the Leader Cup has been presented. Interestingly, David says that it was first won by an army rider in 1946.
Limerick Show president Leo Walsh (pictured above with reporter Donal O’Regan and model Erika Benson) did the honours of presenting the cup in Limerick Racecourse this year.
He says that the Leader Cup is part of the tradition of the show which started in Greenpark before moving to Greenmount, Patrickswell in more recent times.
Mr Walsh said it is a great honour to win it and everybody who does has their name engraved on it with three Morans now proudly part of Limerick Show history.
Mr Walsh and the show committee are reflecting on a hugely successful Limerick Show. Newcastle West and Cappamore Shows also drew huge crowds and the local show season was rounded off by Clonshire Show which is growing by the year.
The shows will definitely go on in 2027!