WHEN I got the call from Shane O’Dwyer, ITBA manger, in the middle of August 2015, I had no idea of the year I would have ahead of me. It couldn’t have been a better time. I have had the chance to learn from so many talented people and also make some great friendships. The experience I have gained is something I could only dream of gaining over many years and instead I have had the chance to receive it in just one.

I finished my second placement in Punchestown in the middle of May, having had a couple of very busy months with the lead up to the festival. The festival week involved long days and very little sleep but the buzz and feeling of achievement at the end of it kept everyone going. I said my goodbyes to the new family I had made and began my last placement as an ITBA Next Generation apprentice in Tattersalls Ireland.