Connemara Pony Breeders Society tensions turn toxic online
The simmering tensions within Connemara Pony Breeders Society have turned poisonous with claims of online abuse and intimidation of members from fake accounts on social media.
The CPBS said it was aware of “an increasing number of incidents involving fake social media profiles, online harassment, abusive commentary, and behaviour which may constitute defamation or hate-related conduct”.
In a statement, it told its members this behaviour is “wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated”.
“We are taking this matter extremely seriously and will be actively monitoring activity, supporting investigations where required, and taking appropriate action where breaches occur,” CPBS said.
It said it has a duty to protect its “members, staff, inspectors and wider Connemara pony community”.
CPBS said its constitution states that members “are required to act in the best interests of the Society at all times”.
It was taking seriously any actions anonymously or otherwise that “seek to undermine, intimidate or harm individuals or the Society”.
The CPBS statement added that “abuse, intimidation and malicious behaviour, in any form, have no place within this community”.
The latest development comes just a fortnight after CPBS published an up-to-date list of candidates contesting for provincial places on its Council.
It’s understood there are also concerns among members about the pony inspections system.
This has been a tumultuous year so far for the organisation, which was plunged into chaos in January when six senior members, including its president, resigned from the organisation.
Daragh Ó Tuairisg stepped down as Uachtarán of Cumann Lucht Capaillín Chonamara citing ongoing negative public commentary and threats, as well as historical and structural issues.
Five other members of the Council also resigned. They were vice-president Pat Collins, Alan Woods, Eamon Spain, HR Officer Cathy Morrissey, and Cáit Hennessy, former Chair of Inspections.
Mr Ó Tuairisg, from Bearna, was elected President in November 2023 but his tenure was tarnished by infighting and a power struggle.
He told the Connacht Tribune in February that the problem stemmed from “a real downright hatred of anyone” outside of a clique.
“It’s absolutely torturous. All we’ve had were attacks from the word go. Three days after I was elected president, I had to go to a Garda station in relation to stuff posted online. It was threats. My family has been targeted, too,” said Mr Ó Tuairisg.
The Connacht Tribune understands that the Department of Agriculture is aware of online abuse in recent weeks, which prompted CPBS to issue its statement.