The following nominations have been received from candidates seeking election to the Council of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society in accordance with Article 15 of the CPBS Constitution by the closing date of 9/8/16: Connacht Michael Flanagan, Hazelwood, Co. Sligo "I will strive to further heighten the profile of our native breed, the Connemara pony, in every discipline, especially performance.  My aim will be to make more readily accessible information and training regarding breeding, markets and genetics.  This will in turn allow for a future selection process and sale of Internationally recognised Eventing Connemara ponies in Ireland" (M Flanagan) Damien Gill, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon "I put myself forward for a fairer more transparent society, to help promote the pony and the society in the future and to work with members and address their thoughts and idea's.  Thank you for your support" (D Gill) Martin Golding, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Michael Laffey, Cleggan, Co. Galway "For the love of the Connemara pony. To promote the use, breeding, well being, safety, environment, health and management of the Connemara pony for the benefit of all. To promote the prevention of cruelty, neglect or harm to all horses" (M Laffey) Keith Murray, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon "For recognition, breeding and appreciation of performance ponies" (K Murray) Peter J. O’Malley, Carraroe, Co. Galway " I have just finished my first term on the CPBS Council and now wish to be re-elected with your support.  I have played a big role on the Marketing and Education committee.  My biggest achievement so far on the Council is succeeding in initiating a new judges course.  I have the enthusiasm and motivation to continue persuing the improvement of the Society. Go raibh mile maith agaibh" (Peter J O'Malley) Dermot Power, Salthill, Galway "I would like to continue in the promotion of the Connemara pony and the society. I would like to see a membership committee to look after the needs of the members" (D Power) Eric Walsh, Clifden, Co. Galway Leinster Patrick Geoghegan, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow "To date I have not missed a Council meeting. I take a keen interest in all aspects relating to the Connemara pony from breeding right through to producing performance ponies" (P Geoghegan) Michael Igoe, Blessington, Co. Wicklow "To promote and preserve Connemara ponies as part of our National heritage. To remove restrictive barriers and anomalies and discriminatory practises.  Improve accountability, transparency and governance. Develop the corporate entity as a viable self funding organisation that is relevant to the modern era" (M Igoe) Phyllis Jones, Straffan, Co. Kildare "If elected it would be an honour to be a Leinster representative on the CPBS Council and carry out any duties in a conscientious constructive and co operative way , to the best of my ability" (P Jones) Jacqueline Lewis, Louth Village, Co. Louth "If elected as a representative for the Leinster region, I will do my utmost to ensure that at Council level we will continue to improve and meet our obligations to our breeders. Supporting them in their endeavours, wherever their interests lie whether through showing their breeding stock in hand, in riding classes or in sport" (J Lewis) Munster Andrew O’Donoghue, Kilfenora, Co. Clare Ulster Joseph Ramsay, Lismonaghan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal