A touch of the Irish will come to Charles Sturt University (CSU) when a group of Connemara ponies and riders gather in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 16 March, the day before St Patrick’s Day. Known as Aonach Australia, it was originally an annual ‘assembly’ of tribal chieftains in Ireland where laws were discussed and disputes settled, followed by horse racing and games. In more modern times, riders compete with their horses in a friendly atmosphere. CSU equine science lecturer, Mr Hunter Doughty, said it is fitting the event is held at the University’s Equine Centre because of the ongoing relationship with the Connemara breed in Australia and Ireland. “The aim of the event is to educate and entertain owners, breeders and the general public, and to provide some competition for ridden Connemara pure-bred and part-bred ponies,” Mr Doughty said. “Charles Sturt University has a history with the Connemara breed including the purchase of a Connemara stallion called Glenormiston Celtic Pride in 2011.” Event organiser, Zita Denholm said good support has been promised with ponies coming from the central west, the NSW south coast, and the Victorian Alps, as well as locally.