ONE of the country’s best known equestrian journalists, Margie McLoone, proved a hugely popular recipient of the ‘Contribution to the Industry Award’ at the Irish Horse World Awards in The K Club this week.

Leading the standing ovation in Margie McLoone’s honour on Monday was top racehorse trainer and honorary president of Eventing Ireland Jessica Harrington. A delighted Margie was inundated with congratulatory messages from her many friends across the equestrian, point-to-point and racing spheres throughout the week.

From Rush, North County Dublin, Margie is synonymous with the ever colourful Irish Horse World. Whether it is racing, point-to-point meetings, eventing, Margie’s coverage of iconic events, such as Dublin Horse Show, represents the most in-depth record of the showing and hunter classes, and her reports are enjoyed by thousands nationwide.

Margie McLoone first started with The Irish Field in the mid 1970s. “I came in to do three weeks’ temporary work as a secretary, which was my first job, and stayed. I covered racing, point-to-points, thoroughbred sales, I always had an interest in eventing, same with showing, it just developed over time,” said Margie. Rising to be the Deputy Editor to the then editor of the paper, Valentine Lamb, along with her sister Ann, the two sisters became the driving force behind The Irish Field, criss-crossing the country to race meetings, point-to-points, eventing, sales, country shows as well as the busy riding club and pony club circuit.

A former winner of the Point-To-Point Personality of the Year Award (2001) as well as the Association of Irish Riding Clubs’ Person of the Year Award (2008), Margie McLoone’s enormous contribution to the Irish equestrian scene was also recognised by the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland with the Stinson Award (2014).

A longtime member of Cheval Riding Club, Margie is a passionate and knowledgeable horseperson, right through from her earliest days in the Ward Union Branch of the Irish Pony Club. She bred one winning racehorse (Wirey) and used to event as well as ride as an amateur jockey. “I wasn’t great but I enjoyed it,” said Margie who also hunted a lot with the Fingal Harriers. A strong advocate of animal welfare, Margie has rehomed several racehorses as well as dogs, big and small.