KILDARE’s Christy Murphy has returned to the chairmanship role of Showjumping Ireland having previously held the position back in 2011 and 2012.

At January’s EGM of the association, the change from the name ‘Executive’ to the ‘Board of Directors’ was approved, along with reducing the number of directors from 21 to 12.

Sitting alongside Murphy on the Board of Directors is vice chairman Dessie McFadden, Marguerite Ryan, Taylor Vard, Melvyn Kennedy, Michael Hennessy, Aideen Kirby, Thomas Ryan, Aldyth Roulston, Neil Doherty, Mary Reape, Tommy Gibbons and Paul Duffy.

Taking up the gauntlet from outgoing chairman Eamonn Rice, Christy Murphy said: “I am delighted to have been elected by the new Board of Directors. It is a new era of show jumping in Ireland and an exciting time for the sport. Show jumping is in such good place at home and abroad and the board will endeavor to run the association in the best interest of the sport and its members.

“The change from a 20-member executive to a 12-person board is viewed as a positive move within the sporting fraternity and we look forward to a productive and enjoyable year for all our members,” he added.