MILLSTREET and the renowned ability of the Duggan family to rise to virtually any challenge has come into its own again as the famed Green Glens meets the challenge of temporarily accommodating over 300 Ukrainian refugees fleeing Putin’s terrible war.

While putting the finishing touches to the upcoming Millstreet International Horse Trials (June 1st-5th), work is also steaming ahead to kit out the indoor arena to welcome 320 Ukrainians.

Professional new individual ‘own-door’ units have been laid out in a transformed indoor arena by a hard-working team of professional carpenters and fitters. Each four-person unit is currently being fully furnished with a living room and two bedrooms to a high standard. With the fleets of shower and toilet blocks already on site, the facilities at Millstreet will come into their own to provide a temporary new home for these war-torn families.

The horse world has been united in trying to help the Ukrainian effort, but Millstreet is thought to be the only equestrian centre to house refugees.

“We have the space and we very much want to help so we offered the use of our facilities to the Irish Government,” explained Millstreet director Thomas Duggan. “We are very happy to provide shelter to those so desperately in need and are expecting our first visitors in the repurposed Green Glens Arena after Easter.”

International Horse Trials

Meanwhile, finishing touches are being put to the upcoming June Millstreet International Horse Trials, with a full range of classes from one-star to four-star, both long and short-format, and the two-star young horse class, long popular as a stepping stone as well as a championship selection trial. Millstreet’s facilities include a total of 16 all-weather arenas, coupled with its stunning parkland cross-country in the grounds of Drishane Castle, set against the picturesque backdrop of Clara Mountain.

World renowned course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith reports that much winter work has been done on the footing. There will also be several new fences and the course will change direction for its second running (August 25th-28th). Most courses will incorporate four water features and all will make full use of the rolling grassland, natural features and excellent spectator viewing in the best traditions of Irish eventing.

“The course has wintered well and is benefiting from having undergone a programme of treatment that will enhance it into spring and the grass-growing season,” explained Thomas Duggan. “We are very much looking forward to providing both a showcase for the best of eventing, some thrilling competitions and a traditional Irish welcome.”