IMFHA officers elected

THE Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association’s AGM was held on October 27th at Horse and Jockey, Thurles. The meeting was very well attended with most hunt clubs represented. Chairman Lord Waterford thanked all those that have been involved in securing insurance for hunting and point-to-pointing and wished everyone well for the season ahead. Prior to the AGM, an EGM was held at which the requirement in the rules for nomination to the Committee for Masters was decreased from three to two years, having served continuously as a Master with the same hunt club.

As there were seven positions on the committee up for election following the interruptions caused by the pandemic, several new people were elected including Pat Dillon MFH (Meath); Pat Hayes MFH (Duhallow); Verity O’Mahony MFH (Laois), and Emma Thompson MFH (Limerick). Lord Waterford, William Healy and Ian Shanahan were re-elected. All seven elected members join James Armstrong, Gill Browne, Craig Caven and Martina McGrath to serve on the committee for 2022/2023 together with Northern Ireland representative, WHC Montgomery and life members, Barry O’Driscoll, Kate Horgan and Nicholas MacDermott.

Ronnie and Jean Hollinger laid to rest

THERE was an outpouring of grief and sympathy at the funeral service of the late Ronnie and Jean Hollinger which took place on Monday at Elim Church, Ballybay Road, Co Monaghan, followed by internment in Coolshannagh burial grounds.

Ronnie and Jean will be dearly missed by their heartbroken family; William, Lorraine (Johnston), Lucinda (Greacen), Lynette (Douglas) and Samuel, sons-in-law Alan, Alan and Raymond, daughter-in-law Jill, also their treasured grandchildren Ryan, Matthew, Grace, Harry, Alfie, Bobby, Amy, Hannah, Noah, Joseph and Will, Ronnie’s brother Jim and sister Doreen, pre-deceased by his sister Hilda, Jean’s brothers Walter and Meredith Scott, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and the wider family circle.

Donations in memory of Ronnie and Jean, if so desired, to the Irish Kidney Association or the Elim Missions, (cheques can be made payable to same), c/o Conly Funeral Directors, Ballybay, Co Monaghan, or any family member.

ISH Young Breeder Training event

YOUNG Breeder training is at Greenogue Equestrian Centre, Rathcoole on Sunday, December 4th (11am – 4pm) with Ian Cassells Eventing, Teagasc, and breeder Tiernan Gill. Ian has produced a string of excellent results this season. Training will focus on assessing conformation and athleticism traits while also learning about the sport of eventing and gaining insight into Ian’s business. Those aged 14-27 years of age are welcome.

Information and registration is at: https://bit.ly/YoungBreederEvents

Teagasc Let’s Talk Equine webinars

TEAGASC’s free webinar series continues at 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 8th with guests Connolly Stud Farm, Francis Connors, and Shane Sweetnam of Sweet Oak Farm to discuss CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) and his development from foal to international success. Attendees who join live can also submit their own questions. Registration is at www.teagasc.ie/letstalkequine

Doonaveeragh O One passes away

ELIZABETH Power’s brilliant campaigner, Doonaveeragh O One, was sadly put down this week, aged 21. The High Roller gelding, bred by Andrew and Ivan Gardiner, was a stalwart for Power, winning for her at Dublin Horse Show, multiple National Grands Prix, as well as eventing up to five-star level.