TWO separate but interconnected strands of real innovation and drive among Irish breeders and producers came to the fore this week.

Covid-19 has certainly driven a coach and four through the calendar. Lanaken was lost last week – this week it was the turn of the FEI Nations Cup Final.

Never easily over-faced, Irish breeders and producers are thinking outside the box as to how best to showcase their stock in these extraordinary times.

International show jumpers, breeders and producers, Marion Hughes and Miquel Bravo have been busily putting together their own show – the inaugural Hughes Horse Stud show hosted by one of Ireland’s best known equestrian families.

Meanwhile, the ever enterprising Mayo Roscommon Breeders Group has developed an online sales platform to connect their members to buyers, domestic and international with their new Irish Horse Centre initiative.

Hats off to all involved in both new ventures.

Living legacy

The death of the political colossus that was John Hume, the man who more than anyone else, brought peace to our divided island, collectively left us all with a rich lasting living legacy – peace in our time.

His tireless work, combined with his intellect and integrity, carried our nation forward and left us all in a better place for the future, north and south. May he rest in peace.