Eimear Mulhern was honoured with the Hall of Fame Award at the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's National Breeding & Racing Awards at The Heritage in Co Laois on Saturday night.

Guests at the glittering black-tie event included Minister Martin Heydon, along with Nina Carberry MEP and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.

A former chairperson of the ITBA and numerous other industry bodies, Eimear Mulhern received her award from ITBA chairman Cathy Grassick and Minister Heydon.

Westmeath native John Connaughton was the well-deserved recipient of the Small Breeder Award thanks to the exploits of Group 2 winner Bay City Roller, whose award was presented by Maurice Moloney of Coolmore Stud.

Honouring the Irish expats, Grovendale Sale’s James Keogh was recipient of the Wild Geese Award, presented by Tony Lacy of Keeneland.

One of racing's greats, 13-time Irish champion jockey Michael Kinane was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Suzanne Eade of Horse Racing Ireland.

This year’s Next Generation Award was presented by Ballylinch Stud’s John O’Connor to young breeders Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy of Rigsdale Stud, breeders of Maria Branwell and Lexington Belle.

Brenda Shortt received a special presentation for her ongoing contribution to the industry over the last 36 years, presented by Joe Hernon.

Robert McCarthy of The Beeches Stud, breeder of multiple Grade 1 winner Ballyburn, accepted the award for Hurdler of the Year and was presented by Simon Kerins of Tattersalls Ireland.

Catherine Cashman of Rathbarry Stud presented the Older Horse Award to James and Henrietta Egan who represented Corduff Stud and T.J. Rooney, breeders of 10-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior.

The 2YO Filly of the Year Award was awarded to unbeaten Lake Victoria, bred by Coolmore and presented by Ludovico Cornuel of Arqana.

Ana O’Brien of Whisperview Trading accepted the award for Joint 2YO Colt of the Year Expanded, as well as 3YO Filly of the Year Porta Fortuna.

Henry Beeby of Goffs presented the 3YO Male of the Year Award to Princess Zahra of HH The Aga Khan Studs for the achievements of Calandagan.

Cathy Grassick commented: "We are honoured tonight to recognise the outstanding achievement of Irish-bred horses, both flat and National Hunt during 2024. This is our opportunity to celebrate their outstanding successes in a year which Irish thoroughbred talent was on display to a global audience once more.

"It is also an opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a lifelong contribution to Irish thoroughbred breeding and our people awards are well deserved and a testament to the wonderful people we have working in our industry."

AWARD WINNERS

Special Presentation 2024 – Brenda Shortt

National Hunt Race Mare Award 2024 – Limerick Lace, Breeder: Mrs Noreen McManus

Novice Chaser of the Year Award 2024 – Corbett’s Cross, Breeder: Ger Murphy

Hurdler of the Year Award 2024 – Ballyburn, Breeder: The Beeches Stud Ltd

Chaser of the Year Award 2024 – Hewick, Breeder: William Quinn

Small Breeder Award 2024 – John Connaughton

Next Generation Award 2024 – Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy

Older Horse Award 2024 – Romantic Warrior, Breeder: Corduff Stud and TJ Rooney

2 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2024 – Lake Victoria, Breeder: Coolmore Stud

Joint 2 Year Old Colts of the Year Award 2024 – The Lion In Winter, Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc, AND Expanded, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd

3 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2024 – Porta Fortuna, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd

3 Year Old Male of the Year Award 2024 – Calandagan, Breeder: Haras De Son Altesse L’Aga Khan Scea

Wild Geese Award 2024 – James Keogh

Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Michael Kinane

Hall of Fame 2024 – Eimear Mulhern

FULL REPORT & PHOTOS IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND