THE George Mernagh Memorial Fund Ltd is once again seeking applications for three bursaries worth €5,000 each. The bursaries are aimed at providing assistance to talented Irish horsemen and women in reaching their potential.

The charitable company was established in memory of the late George Mernagh who had a lifetime interest in equestrian sports and was committed to developing these at Tattersalls Ireland.

Last year’s recipients were Emma Cahill, Janet Murray and Adam Stevenson.

Para rider Cahill is using her bursary to fund specialised training and travel in preparation to qualify and compete at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, while Murray provided four days of full dressage and show jumping training to 15 horse and rider combinations who showed potential and aiming for Lion d’Angers 2014.

Stevenson, a budding cross-country designer, used his bursary to attend international events to learn up-to-date concepts and attend both FEI and national training seminars.

Applications are sought from anyone involved in the three equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country, from competitors to instructors to course builders.

Those interested in applying should meet some or all of three objectices; to support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports; foster national and international sporting competition in Ireland via the provision of equestrian competition and the facilities that support this competition or contribute to the education and development of all participants involved in any aspect of Irish equestrianism to the highest possible standards. The closing date for applications is Friday, March 15th.

Explaining how the George Mernagh Memorial Bursary helped her over the past 12 months, Cahill said: “It gave me the finances to make it possible and also the coverage to get people behind me. It’s been such a comfort to have it there for the unexpected and is a big part of my feeling that ‘Impossible is Temporary’, as I’ve been spouting in my recent coverage.”

Tattersalls Ireland managing director Roger Casey said: “George Mernagh had a vision that Tattersalls Ireland would be the venue for an event that was of an international standard and attracted competitors from around the World.

“As the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair celebrates its 10th Anniversary, George’s vision is the reason that this event exists and continues to grow in stature.

“The bursaries given by The George Mernagh Memorial Fund Limited are a wonderful gesture and will provide assistance to talented Irish horsemen and women in reaching their potential.”

The three €5,000 bursaries will be awarded at the welcome reception of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair on Wednesday, May 27th.