IT’S all change for Ireland’s 10th President, Catherine Connolly, whose inauguration was held last Tuesday at Dublin Castle - a landmark building that, like her new Áras an Uachtaráin base, has its own storied equine links.

Her predecessors made their own mark on Irish equine life, most recently through Michael D Higgins’ presence at multiple events from Ballinasloe Horse Fair to Dublin Horse Show, Galway Races, Liscarroll point-to-point and the national ploughing championships.