AT the Irish Horse World’s awards lunch in the K Club in February, Michael Slavin, having battled the icy road conditions to get there, was presented with a special recognition award for his contribution to the sport horse industry. Asked by Master of Ceremonies Brendan McArdle what was his greatest memory of his 60-year long career, Michael answered: “I think travelling with the team in the 70s and into the 80s, I think that was a magic time. We are having another magic time now, but that was a magic time that will never be forgotten, that was a high point.”

The Irish Field/Horse World award winners were Cian O’Connor (senior show jumper), Sarah Ennis (senior eventer), Judy Reynolds (senior dressage), Harry Allen (junior show jumper) and Cathal Daniels (junior eventer). The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition star of the month awards were also presented at the lunch and May winner, Mark McAuley, Switzerland-based international show jumper, was crowned Star of the Year. In November, Horse Sport Ireland hosted a medal reception where awards were presented to the connections of the medal-winning horses at Lanaken while Sally Corscadden, Ian Fearon and Ian Woodhead were announced as joint-winners of the coach of the year award.