A 12-year-old from Gawley’s Gate, County Armagh, has been crowned Junior All-Ireland Carriage Driving Champion.

Mark McAleese secured the title at Punchestown Racecourse, County Kildare, on Sunday 23 August 2026. The championship ran from 21 to 23 August and required competitors to complete three disciplines: dressage, a cones course and a marathon phase.

McAleese drove the pony Captain Sam, who has been part of the McAleese family for several years. The pair built their season through the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association, recording victories at Danescroft, Rademon, Waringstown, Dyan, Shane’s Castle, Hazeldene Farm and Tullymurry.

McAleese is a pupil at St Ronan’s College and will begin Year 9 this term.