CONGRATULATIONS to two of the country’s most popular men in both the Irish show scene and the Irish Draught world who fittingly received Hall of Fame recognition for their achievements.

Michael Hughes, national secretary of the Irish Shows Association and Tom Gibbons of the Irish Draught Society were the very worthy recipients of the National Hall of Fame Awards, held in Athlone last Sunday night.

Fiona Sheridan of the RDS accepted the award on behalf of Tom Gibbons who was unable to attend as he’s in hospital. Sheridan said: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the award than Tom, not only for the many great Irish Draught horses that he and his wife, Pat, bred and produced over the years, but for his dedication and contribution to the Irish Draught breed through his involvement with the Irish Draught Society. Everyone who knows Tom knows he is one of life’s true gentlemen and I’d like to wish him a very speedy recovery to good health.”

CHARLEVILLE

On Thursday, Michael Hughes was among those who attended the launch of one of the country’s few remaining two-day agricultural shows, Charleville Show. Show chairman Ian Doyle outlined plans for this year’s show, which takes place on June 27th-28th on their 80-acre site on the Cork road. Also at the launch was Horse Sport Ireland member Paddy McCarthy; Eleanor Fleming, show secretary and John Gerety, Connollys Red Mills.