Caitriona Murphy

SOME 50 people have applied for the position of Horse Sport Ireland’s director of marketing, it has been confirmed. The closing date for applications was Monday, February 16th.

The 50 people are believed to be a mix of Irish and foreign-based applicants and are in the process of being called for screening interviews by Hays Recruitment, the company appointed by Horse Sport Ireland to help with the appointment.

The first round of formal interviews in which Horse Sport Ireland will be represented on the interview panel is expected to begin in early March. A second round with short-listed candidates is also pencilled in for March.

Horse Sport Ireland has indicated that the appointment of a new marketing director is expected to take place in April.

Around €200,000 of the €600,000 marketing and promotion budget given to Horse Sport Ireland by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney in last October’s budget is to be allocated to the new marketing division of the organisation.

Meanwhile, Horse Sport Ireland has invited the public to submit ideas for new innovative classes at new or existing shows and events.

A prize pot of €20,000 has been allocated for the Innovation Fund, as part of the €600,000 budget allocation to Horse Sport Ireland for promotion and marketing activities.

Applications should be sent by to Mark Bolger on mbolger@horsesportireland.ie before 5pm on Thursday, February 26th.