THE Irish Field has learned that 12 members of the current Connaught Region Committee will not stand for re-election in 2018, a move which they say reflects the high levels of discontent amongst representatives within the region.

This follows the resignation with immediate effect of regional vice chairman Tommy Dixon from the Connaught committee late on Thursday night.

Dixon’s resignation comes after a recent executive meeting which he was blocked from attending and dismissed from the executive committee by the Connaught region due his unwillingness to act in support of an agenda item of which he was not aware of the full facts. He stated he needed to be fully furnished with facts prior to making a decision as to whether or not he could support the item on the agenda, which involved another regional committee member. As a nominated director to Showjumping Ireland, it is understood that he felt that his decision to refrain from giving support or otherwise was in the best interest of the members and Showjumping Ireland.

Tommy Dixon told The Irish Field that he had not taken this decision lightly, but felt that in light of how recent issues in the region have been dealt with, it is with regret that he announces his resignation. In a letter to the Directors of Showjumping Ireland, Dixon had highlighted his concerns around the conduct of certain members and the failure of the Showjumping Ireland Executive to address recent issues effectively.

Longstanding president of the Connaught Region Committee Coreen Conway, regional chairman Charles Hanley, vice chairman Tommy Dixon and treasurer Sinead Hanley are amongst those who have chosen not to put themselves forward for re-election to the Connaught Committee.

On a national level, three of the 2017 executive – Charles Hanley, Tommy Dixon and Raphael Murray – as well as both representatives on management and finance – Sinead Hanley and Tommy Dixon – junior and young rider representative Joseph O’Brien, amateur chairman Raphael Murray, and regional representative Aisling Donoghue, chairman of course designers Charles Hanley, chairman of veterinary Tommy Dixon and regional representative for both veterinary and judges Aileen Horkan have also said that they will not stand for re-election.

Other committee members not going forward for re-election are Fran Kerins Rush, Riona Finn, Cormac Rafferty and Richard Nallon.

The Connaught Region has now lost most of its GP/senior rider delegates with Joseph O’Brien and Cormac Rafferty standing down. This follows the resignation of Richard Kerins, early in 2017. Both Rafferty and Kerins are also HSI level 2 coaches, a loss also to the coordination of training in the region.