THE decision to finally draw a line under Horse Sport Ireland’s controversial plans to relocate to Greenogue Equestrian Centre in Rathcoole, Co Dublin and construct a Centre of Excellence there for the industry hardly comes as a surprise.

While the brainchild of this idea was - and still is - a very worthy one for the Irish sport horse industry to embrace in the future, all the proverbial boxes have to be well ticked on the key considerations such as cost, consensus, and overall suitability.

Always missing for this project from the start was the total ‘buy in’ from some of the main stakeholders in the industry, who consistently raised non-consultation as an issue.

Absent too was the crucial backing of political will. There were some hot-and-heavy debates over the airwaves and in Dáil Éireann over HSI’s Greenogue plans.

If the proposed Centre of Excellence ever comes to fruition in the future, there’s little doubt it will be located within the boundaries of the horse county of Kildare and very likely will be located on State owned or controlled lands. The Irish National Stud springs to mind as a possible future home.

CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, Denis Duggan, has rightly pulled the parachute chord on this project as projected costs soar.

While a six-figure sum has been spent on a non-runner, lessons have been learned for the next time a Centre of Excellence for the sport horse industry is tabled.

Towering contribution

Deepest condolences to the family and many friends of the wonderful Joan Keogh who made such an enormous contribution to the Irish equestrian world.

An absolute lady, Joan had many gifts which were freely shared with others. Her vision, combined with her energy and dedication, ensure she leaves a rich legacy which has and will continue to benefit Irish equestrianism.

The Irish Field extends its sincere sympathies to Joan’s family and friends on their loss.