THE Irish Equine Centre was named Agricultural Laboratory of the Year 2016 at the annual Irish Laboratory Awards dinner this week. It was the IEC’s first time entering the competition.

In reaching its verdict, the judging panel recognised the unique role performed by the IEC in protecting the health of the Irish horse population. The judges also acknowledged the vital work undertaken by the IEC, not just the performance of routine diagnostics and commercial laboratory testing, but in the management of disease outbreaks in the Irish horse population.