IRISH Horse World Editor Isabel Hurley was the recipient of the Media Award at Saturday’s Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards at The K Club in Co Kildare.

The Irish Sport Industry Awards, in association with TheraPlate Ireland, recognises the global achievements of the Irish Sport Horse industry, those who play a vital role in its success, and its importance to Ireland’s economy.

Isabel Hurley took over as Irish Horse World Editor in December 2016 after eight years working as a journalist for the paper. Previous to joining The Irish Field, Isabel was a staff reporter with Independent Newspapers PLC for almost two decades, and former news editor of The Shelby Daily Globe in Ohio, USA, and former assistant editor of The Fingal Independent in Co Dublin.

With a particular focus on news reporting, Isabel works tirelessly to inform the sport horse industry. She is also the Editor of the annual Dublin Horse Show Magazine.

Among the 20 award winners was Maureen Bagnall, who was presented with the main accolade of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for her dedication to show jumping and young riders in particular. Horse Sport Ireland received the Special Recognition Award for their work as a governing body over the past 12 months, which included implementing the recommendations of the Indecon Report.

Barry O’Connor was named the Person of the Year, while top ranked dressage rider Judy Reynolds flew in from her home in Germany to collect the Inspiration award. Sam Watson and Sarah Ennis were in attendance to collect the Grand Prix Award on behalf of the senior Irish eventing team who won team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games last September.

A full report with all award winners from the evening will appear in Saturday’s The Irish Field.