SPORT Ireland have confirmed that special measures apply to ‘elite and professional’ equestrians that allows them to continue travelling within, to or from Kildare, Laois and Offaly under the new regional lockdown restrictions announced last weekend, but show centres in the lockdown counties are subject to a limit of 15 people.

Last Friday’s late evening Government announcement resulted in a number of 11th-hour event cancellations in the sport horse industry. Two days of Eventing Ireland fixtures at Punchestown were cancelled, as well as Dressage Ireland and Showjumping Ireland fixtures scheduled in the affected counties.

The official government advice says no sporting events or matches can take place, however there are three exceptions, including “professional and elite sports and horse-racing may continue behind closed doors.”

High performance athletes and professionals who earn their living from the sport are free to travel.

A Horse Sport Ireland spokesperson said: “Horse Sport Ireland have proactively engaged with Sport Ireland in respect of the Government announced restrictions on individuals within the counties – Kildare, Offaly and Laois vis-à-vis equestrian sport. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Sport Ireland identified the special measures required to facilitate the completion of training and competition, specifically for National Governing Bodies in receipt of High Performance funding.

“Sport Ireland have confirmed that the exemptions that previously applied to sport now apply to the three impacted counties. Therefore some exemptions apply when travelling within, to or from Kildare, Laois and Offaly under ‘elite or professional’ sport.”

The following criteria of professional and HP athletes can travel, HSI said. “An applicable person may engage or otherwise participate in training relating to a sport, where the person, in respect of the sport concerned competes at a senior level and is a participant in a high performance training programme of the national governing body of the sport, which body receives, from Sport Ireland, financial support commonly known and referred to as the Sport Ireland High Performance Programme Funding.

“The exemption also applies to professional athletes who derive/earn their primary living from sport. In respect of youth athletes, consideration can be given where the athlete is within the specified High Performance programme and such attendance is in the best interests of the ongoing improvement, maintenance or enhancement of the person’s performance in that sport to undergo such training or competition.

“Horse Sport Ireland has undertaken a careful review of the exemption as they apply to our High Performance athletes.”

Showjumping Ireland is requesting members who do not fall within the listed categories of a professional or HP athlete [e.g. amateurs, pony, and non-professionals] do not attend events during this time.

“Showjumping Ireland is very cautious with regard to activity in the affected counties and members travelling outside the affected counties and want to ensure the rigorous application of public health measures and relevant protocols at all times. Therefore, the onus is on all of us to play our part,” a statement said.

Cancellations

JAG Equestrian in Rathmore West, near Naas, Co Kildare, cancelled the final of their show jumping league last Sunday and announced during the week that they would not run shows until further notice due to the restrictions.

Owner Julianne Gaffney told The Irish Field that the maximum group of 15 applied to her facility: “We can go ahead if we want to, but we are limited to 15 people. Depending on the numbers, we might revisit it in two weeks’ time. But at the minute, the way it is, we have ceased everything really until we have a better understanding.

“It is disappointing, we are trying to figure out a way to be able to live with it for the future and manage it from viability point of view,” Gaffney added. “For me, health and safety comes first and we have to look at that; then the industry and the business would be second to that.

“It is tough times for everyone. There is only so many times you can shut your doors. As well as losing the final of our league, we were to have the Youngster Tour on Wednesday which was already rescheduled, and we lost three shows with storms at the beginning of the year; that is a big loss of income.”

CoilÓg Equestrian Centre has also had to cancel their planned league and the amateur show due to held this weekend. Gwen Byrne said: “We are open for schooling but we are not holding shows. We are subject to the 15 people, unless that is altered; we are working away with the schooling.

“It is all booked online, there is no contact; it works very well and we are delighted to welcome people.”

Supports

Some 400,000 people in Kildare, Laois and Offaly and thousands of businesses are affected by the latest regional lockdown.

Cathal Berry (Ind) TD for Kildare South said: “With the Government announcement on restrictions, a comprehensive plan should have also been simultaneously announced – a medical plan, an enforcement plan, and a financial package plan.

“People are really frustrated with only one element being announced which is lockdown. When it comes to regional lockdowns, a reparation/compensation package must be announced as well. The State failed to manage the meat plants properly.

“In terms of a medical plan, pop-up testing sites should be in place and enhanced financial supports to take the sting out of the bad news. The message should be that the State will support you through this crisis. These things happen but there is an obligation on the State to soften the blow and the horse and horse racing industry has been disproportionally affected by the mandatory lockdown.”

Yesterday (Friday) the Government was due to announce an extra aid package of up to €5,000 for businesses in the three counties to help mitigate the impact of the restrictions. That is in addition to the restart plus grant scheme, part of the July stimulus plan.