TATTERSALLS Ireland is inviting applicants involved in the three equestrian disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross-Country to apply for the 2019 George Mernagh Memorial Fund.

The annual GMMF bursary was set up in memory of the late George Mernagh who had a lifelong interest in equestrian sports and was devoted to developing these at Tattersalls.

The €5,000 bursary is intended to support an applicant, from course designer/builder to competitor to instructor, to develop or further establish their career in the eventing industry. This payment is intended to assist with associated costs, over a defined period, of pursuing a career in eventing.

Last year’s winning recipient of the GMMF bursary was Angela Lyons from Blarney in Co. Cork. Angela is a Dressage Rider who now competes as a Grade 1V Para Equestrian Rider, and her ambition is to represent Ireland at the Paralympics at Tokyo.

She is a Level 2 HSI Coach and a List 5 Dressage Judge, training riders at all levels from Grass Roots to Advanced and has competed successfully up to Prix St. Georges level, winning many Dressage Ireland Championships. Due to Rheumatoid Disease, she is now riding “Para Equestrian” Dressage, at Grade 1V level.

The award of the 2018 George Mernagh Memorial Bursary was put towards training, travel and competition expenses to gain more International experience at 3 Star level for Angela.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

The closing date for the George Mernagh Memorial Fund is Friday, May 10th. Applications must adhere with the terms set out below. The winner will be announced on Sunday, June 2nd at Tattersalls International Horse Trials.

TERMS APPLYING TO THE GMMF LTD 2019 BURSARY AWARD

1. Applications should attempt to demonstrate how they meet some or all of the following bursary objectives:

• To support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports;

• To foster national and international sporting competition in Ireland via the provision of equestrian competition and the facilities that support this competition;

• To contribute to the education and development of all participants involved in any aspect of Irish equestrianism to the highest possible standards.

2. Applications can be submitted by sending the standardised application form which is available within the information heading on www.tatts.ie and a cover letter limited to 300 words to Tattersalls Ireland either by post to ‘The GMMF Limited Bursary Applications 2019’, C/O Tattersalls Ireland, Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath, Co. Meath or by e-mail to info@tatts.ie noting Subject: ‘The GMMF Limited Bursary Applications 2019’.

3. The Bursary is also subject to the following terms and conditions of eligibility:

• The applicant must be eligible to compete for or to represent IRL;

• If the award is with regard to training then this training must be with an ‘accredited’ or ‘recognised’ coach;

• The bursary must be used within one year of the award date or will be deemed void;

• Bursary fund will only be paid out on receipt of a written claim with supporting documentation;

• The GMMF Bursary Award Committee’s decisions are final.