Sinéad McPhillips appointed Secretary General of DAFM

THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has announced the appointment of Sinéad McPhillips as the new Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, following approval by the Government. Sinéad McPhillips is currently Assistant Secretary General for EU, UK and International Affairs in the Department, with responsibilities including leading on agri-food negotiations at EU level, implementing Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan; and managing the Department’s overseas network. Sinéad previously served as Assistant Secretary General with responsibility for agri-food strategy and sectoral development and as the Department’s Chief Economist.

Thoroughbred Eventing Three-Day Challenge at Ballindenisk

NEXT week’s Ballindenisk International will host the Treo Eile Thoroughbred Eventing Three-Day Challenge, supported by Irish European Breeders’ Fund, a dedicated EI100 class for thoroughbreds. The class carries a prize fund of nearly €5,000 split between the top six, with the winner taking home €1,500. In addition, special awards totalling €600 will be presented for the Highest-Placed Thoroughbred ridden by an under 18, highest-placed mare, highest-placed raced Thoroughbred and a Breeder’s Award for the highest-placed Irish-bred thoroughbred. Each competitor will also receive a Treo Eile goodie bag and numnah for being a part of the inaugural competition. This initiative is generously supported by the Irish European Breeders Fund.

Cross-country chase entries open

REGISTRATION for the Culmullen cross-country chase on October 12th is now open. This is a traditional cross-country chase across the beautiful Meath countryside. Riders will take part in one of three groups. The jumping group is for experienced riders tackling ditches and natural obstacles. The non-jumping group is a more relaxed hack through woods and fields for those who prefer not to jump. The lead rein fancy dress is a fun class meeting at 1.15pm with prizes, followed by a gentle ride for younger riders. Book online via itsplainsailing.com/org/culmullen#event-63639. All proceeds are in aid of Culmullen National School and refreshments will be served afterwards at the school.

Nominations for groom of the year

IRISH country clothing and lifestyle brand Ballybar is offering Eventing Ireland riders the chance to thank their hardworking grooms. All you need to do to nominate your groom for a chance to win a €250 voucher is fill out the nomination form on bit.ly/ballybargroomprize, explaining in less than 1,000 words why they should win Ballybar Groom of the Year 2025. Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday, September 26th. The winning groom will be presented on Saturday evening of the EI National Championships in Barnadown on October 4th, so the groom must be available to attend the Championships for the presentation.