ON Thursday I made a surprise visit to CAFRE, better known to us all in the business as Enniskillen College. The purpose of the clandestine trip was to bid farewell to the college’s head of equine, Seamus McAlinney, who has made a quite enormous contribution to education in his two decades in Enniskillen.

I believe I was introduced to Seamus and the work of the college by Michael O’Hagan, and it is a connection that I have enjoyed greatly throughout my own tenure here at The Irish Field. Seamus is from a farming background and horses are not his thing. However, you would not know this, and the passion with which he has led the development of the equine programmes at the college has been intense.

When I was first shown the college and its facilities, and learned more about the variety of programmes it runs, I was impressed. Then I came across a number of the courses’ early graduates, and what a group of alumni they are. This led to me forging a greater connection with CAFRE and I have been delighted to facilitate them on a number of occasions, chairing panels, attending workshops, and even presenting graduates with their parchments one year.

While Seamus and his wonderful team at CAFRE are always appreciative of my contributions, I am in awe of the work they do, the holistic approach they take to education, and their willingness to adapt to changing needs. I am sure this will continue into the future. Care of the student is their top priority.

There are many ways to gauge the success of the equine programmes at CAFRE, and college authorities and regulators ensure that they maintain the highest standards. However, for me there is one simple way to measure the standing of the college, and this success is down to Seamus.

They enjoy financial and other supports, such as internships, from all of the leading bodies and participants in both the thoroughbred and sport horse sectors. This is not only at home here in Ireland, but also on an international scale. Seamus is always bowled over by the support, but he shouldn’t be surprised. He and his team deliver a world-class education programme.

I can only wish Seamus and his wife Marie, along with their two daughters, health and happiness in the years to come. I hope that his wisdom and deep knowledge will not be completely lost to CAFRE. One thing is certain, he will continue to be welcomed in many quarters of the equine and equestrian sectors.