PJ O’Reilly RIP
THE funeral took place on Thursday of P.J. O’Reilly, Shraugh Stud, a past chairman of the Registered Stallion Owners Society. He stood a number of Irish Draught and thoroughbred stallions at his Louisburgh stud, including the Dublin champion Grosvenor Lad, King Elvis and Prince Ragusa. A full obituary will appear in a later issue.
Interschools cancelled
KERNANS EC announced on Thursday that due to unforseen circumstances, they had to cancel the Equestrian Interschools Ireland event due to run today (Saturday).
Swedish win
TIPPERARY’s Denis Lynch took Ireland’s first victory of the weekend at the five-star show in Gothenburg, Sweden in Thursday’s feature class.
Lynch picked up some valuable world ranking points as well as prize money of almost €9,000, riding Thomas Straumann’s bay gelding Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof. Lynch is joined at Gothenburg by Cork’s Billy Twomey, who has already had a sixth place this weekend with Tinka’s Serenade.
Boys in green
ROBERT Splaine’s team of four who contested last night’s (Friday’s) Nations’ Cup in Wellington, Florida, were: Darragh Kenny with Imothep; Shane Sweetnam (Chaqui Z); Cian O’Connor (Quidam’s Cherie) and Kevin Babington (Shorapur).
Ireland was drawn fifth to jump of nine nations competing and the two-round competition started at midnight Irish time.
Teagasc Young Breeders
THE Young Breeders Programme 2015, for 14-25 year olds, will get underway on Saturday, March 21st at OBG Stables, the farm of Captain David O’ Brien, in Athlone, Co Westmeath. David has a variety of very nice horses in the yard at present ranging in age from youngsters to seasoned campaigners.
This will be followed on April 8th with a visit to Hilton View Stables in Co Monaghan with Clem McMahon. New participants in the programme are always welcome. The main focus of the farm visits in 2015 will be to assess conformation and athleticism traits of the horses on the various farms in preparation for the National Competition in the autumn. To be involved, contact Wendy Conlon wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie or 087 9879083.
Dog chip
AGRICULTURE Minister Simon Coveney announced compulsory microchipping for dogs. It will be rolled out on a phased basis beginning with pups in September 2015 and will be expanded to all dogs in March 2016.
ISPCA CEO Dr. Andrew Kelly said: “The introduction of compulsory microchipping is a major step forward for dog welfare in Ireland and is a key component of responsible dog ownership. I would encourage dog owners not to wait until 2016, but to get your dog microchipped now.”
Emerald tenders
TENDER bids for Emerald International EC, Mucklon, Enfield, closed yesterday (Friday) with the centre being sold in two lots. REA McDonald Bros are the selling agents.
Wexford HT
THE Wexford Hunt is holding its annual hunter trials at The Kennels, Ballinaboola, on Sunday, March 15th. The classes will be announced shortly.
Strategy launch
ON Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney will officially launch the Irish Sport Horse Strategic Plan in the Army Equitation School.
Appreciations
Obituaries on Lord Waterford and Eamon Briscoe will appear next week.