THE inaugural Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards 2017, hosted last Saturday in the Radisson, St Helen’s, were an outstanding success and widely welcomed across the sector.

Organised by Liam and Deirdre Geddes, there was a full house for the awards, which were compered by top businessman and keen equestrian enthusiast, Gavan Duffy and live streamed by Darragh Equestrian.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Lifetime Achievement Award: Millstreet’s Noel C. Duggan

Person of the Year Award: Coach John Ledingham

Media Award: Caitriona Murphy of The Irish Field & Irish Farmers Journal

Special Recognition: Damien Kenny, chair of Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association

Special Recognition: Keith Griffin, chair of Pony Owners Charity Show

Organisation of the Year: The Association of Irish Riding Clubs

Industry Research and Development: Connolly’s Red Mills

Innovation Award: Irish Breeders Classic

Equestrian Event of the Year: RDS Horse Show

Breeder of the Year: Dr Noel Cawley, Newpark Lodge Stud

Best International Equine Enterprise: Jim Derwin Sport Horses

Best Domestic Equine Enterprise: Castle Leslie

Irish Sport Horse of the Year: Flexible, bred by Catherine and Edward Doyle

Equestrian Retail Award: TRI Equestrian

Best website/Social Media: Irish Sport Horse Facebook & Twitter

Grand Prix Award: Dressage Olympian Judy Reynolds