WITH the Munster Eventing Ball falling foul to the Covid-19 pandemic last November, the traditional Munster Awards were instead presented during a well-supported Eventing Ireland (Munster Region) AGM which took place virtually earlier this week.

Regional chairperson Marion Donegan opened the meeting by asking those present to observe a moment’s silence in remembrance of those that had passed away during the last 12 months.

The committee expressed their gratitude to the Eventing Ireland board members and staff together with Horse Sport Ireland who enabled the season to eventually get underway in July.

Event organiser Danny Dulohery and Horse Sport Ireland CMO Dr. Mary Flannery collaborated to stage a series of ‘test events’ before the first full scale horse trials took place in Crecora on July 4th – Independence Day!

Munster Region events accounted for 45% of Eventing Ireland fixtures to take place last year with almost 1,800 entries recorded across the shortened season. The successful implementation of Covid-19 protocols allowed Kilguilkey and Ballindenisk to host a number of FEI classes towards the end of the season that were a welcome addition for those seeking qualifications.

Dr. Flannery joined the meeting to remind those present of the importance of adhering to the current restrictions and share her thoughts on what the 2021 eventing season might look like. Marion Donegan concluded a frank and open discussion by thanking Dr. Flannery for her positive and practical input towards the development of the return to sport protocols.

In recognition of her long-standing contribution to equestrianism in the Munster Region and further afield, she was duly honoured with the Bill Powell ‘Free Spirit’ Award which is presented each year to a person who goes above and beyond in their involvement with the sport.

As the attention turned to the past season, Michael Ryan was presented with the Munster Senior Rider award. One of only four Munster-based riders to record results on foreign soil in 2020, Ryan’s year got off to a promising start in Barocca d’Alva, Portugal, where he took second place with TR Kaygraff (CCI2*L) and sixth with Barnahown Cornhill (CCI4*L).

Closer to home, he had a number of wins and runner-up finishes on the domestic circuit and added 184 points to the records of his string.

Tokyo hopeful Brian Morrison was honoured by the committee for his home international success. The Global Event Horses rider partnered Global Faerlie Flashy to victory in the CCI3*S at Kilguilkey in August and recorded a second CCI3*S victory with Global DHI at Ballindenisk a month later.

Competition in the amateur and underage ranks was somewhat fragmented by the ever-changing protocols but this didn’t deter Natasha Mitchell who only finished outside the top seven placings on two of her nine runs at EI90 level in just her second eventing season.

The committee also recognised the achievements of Natasha Brotherton and Sharon Power while consistent junior and pony performances from Zara Burke Ott and Jess Widger saw them honoured on the night and singled out as rising stars to follow in 2021.