WEDNESDAY’s meeting of the Connaught Region of Showjumping Ireland did very little to restore members’ faith in the association.

Some serious accusations were thrown around the room, people were shouting over one another in heated and angered exchanges, and many questions went unanswered. It wasn’t a pleasant experience for anyone. Indeed it was stressful and upsetting for many of those to whom I spoke.

One positive to take from the room is the passion among the members for show jumping. That is, after all, why everyone turned out to have their say and give their vote. I mentioned in this column before that every person who sits on a voluntary committee, giving up their precious time, should be commended for their efforts.

The staff of Showjumping Ireland travelled to Claremorris and waited until 1.30am when the vote was returned and the meeting concluded, as did the national chairman and executives from other regions. While there was anger towards some of the delegates, everyone turned up to try to move the situation forward.

It is crucial that Horse Sport Ireland, as the national governing body and the umbrella for affiliates, continues to assist the SJI in carrying out an independent review of the association.

The new committee of the Connaught Region is due to meet next Tuesday to work through regional issues and decide who will go forward to represent their members’ on the executive committee for 2020. There was some new blood voted onto the committee for the first time, names with years of good experience in the industry and younger people who are committed to making a difference.

Fingers crossed for a progressive 2020 for Showjumping Ireland.