“All I want is for the breeder is the money he puts in for his foal to be spent on the breeder, not spent all over the world. I don’t want that money spent on what happened in Aachen, I want it spent on the breeder.”

Bill Kennedy.

“Despite all the disagreements we all have around here, I think we’re all proud that our chief executive has landed this big job and won the gold medal for us. This [AGM] is good practice for him to see this going on here, he’ll be ready for it!”

Jim Beecher.

“There’s people that have travelled from the top of Donegal and the North West. There’s a few loudmouths grumbling here tonight. I think you should go to the floor.”

Board member John Anthony Cogan appeals to the chairman to open up a discussion about the proposed Irish Draught inspection changes.

“We’re not Donald Trump; these things have to be negotiated.”

Jim Beecher responds to a suggestion that €5 from each €25 membership fee be retained by the Co-op.

“I’ve a pain in my head from the traditional people talking about ‘this is a traditional horse.’”

Bill Kennedy.

“I’m not going to take you on tonight chairman, you’re in grim form up there! What I’d like to say tonight, on behalf of the Stallions Owners, is to congratulate Damian McDonald on his appointment. I wished him well outside, I told him I wished him health because he has the wealth.”

Stallion Owners chairman Michael Murphy

(left).