Congratulations and thanks

Madam,

On behalf of Showjumping Ireland and all our members, I would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to all parties involved in making the Horseware/TRM Premier Series and National Grand Prix League a success in 2014.

It is a testament to the dedication of all involved that all shows ran so successfully. I would like to also thank the venues, landowners, sponsors and owners and especially the riders for their continued support to these events.

We would also like to extend our thanks to The Irish Field for its coverage of our events and supporting us to increase the profile of show jumping.

Congratulations must go out to all those who competed throughout the summer and gave us such great sport.  

Greg Broderick, our newly crowned Premier Series winner and Showjumping Ireland National Champion 2014 has had an outstanding year and we are delighted that he has added these titles to his achievements. 

Vincent Byrne won his first Horseware/TRM National Grand Prix League title, a fantastic achievement for this young man and we are excited to see his career progress in the future.

It is encouraging to see that our sport is continuing to thrive with such talented Irish riders and horses and I hope that, collectively, we will be in a position to ensure support to all members and activities.

Once again our thanks and best wishes to all upcoming shows for the remainder of the year.

Yours etc,

Tony Hurley,

Chairman,

Showjumping Ireland,

Beech House, Millennium Park, Osberstown,

Naas, Co Kildare. 

Amazing day

Madam,

I am writing to tell you about a very special horse, Major Furisto, who I have been lucky enough to have a loan of to ride this summer. Last weekend at Ballinamona ODE, we had an amazing day and managed to win the Junior C class, which was also my first win under Eventing Ireland rules. I am so thankful to Breda Kennedy for allowing me to ride Major Furisto (Copper). I have also been lucky enough to follow in my sister’s footsteps and spend an amazing gap year grooming for Sarah Ennis, who has been so generous with her time training me. A big challenge lies ahead for us this weekend as we head off to complete in our first junior one-star competition. I know Copper will try his best.

Yours etc, 

Ailbhe McGrath, 

Ashbourne,

Co Meath.