LIFE started for me in Shinrone, Co Offaly. My Mam, Clare, owned and ran a grocery/newsagent shop beside our home. From a young age, I grew up helping her with the family business from the early morning to late at night, while my Dad, Paddy, farmed and bred horses.

This is where my interest began. Paddy was well known and respected for his ability for breaking and preparing horses for showing and sales. I can honestly say that nobody had more patience or love for what they do and I was lucky enough to witness this first hand. I spent most of my weekends and holidays going the length and breadth of the country with ponies’, showing and jumping. This allowed my dad to buy and sell a few ponies to cover the costs.