KATE Keenan has often and adamantly stated that wearing an air jacket saved her from further injury, or worse, when she fell while competing in a CNC1* class at Maddybenny late last August.

She has just as often queried why so many of her fellow riders are still reluctant to wear an air jacket and now, thanks to the George Mernagh Memorial Fund Bursary, will have €5,000 to spend on research into their use in eventing. The study will also support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports by generating increased awareness of ways to improve safety.

From Churchtown, Dublin, Keenan is an FEI veterinary delegate and a participant in the sport since her days in ponies. While quite active on the one-day scene earlier in the season, Keenan has taken a back step recently as she was concentrating on her exams as a third year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Kate, who writes regularly in these pages about the amateur eventing scene, was announced as this year’s sole winner of a George Mernagh Memorial Fund Bursary at the conclusion of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials on Sunday. She was presented with her €5,000 cheque by Event Director Jean Mitchell and Roger Casey, Managing Director Tattersalls Ireland.

The George Mernagh Memorial Fund Limited, a not for profit entity, was established in memory of the late George Mernagh who had a lifetime passion in equestrian sports and who was committed to developing these at Tattersalls Ireland.