‘Star of Month’ voting reminder

DON’T forget to vote online in the Gain Equine Nutrition/The Irish Field Star of the Month for December 2022. The nominees are Bertram Allen, Daniel Coyle, Abigail Lyle and Shane Sweetnam. Voting closes at midnight next Thursday and the winner will be announced in next Saturday’s issue, January 28th. (Vote online at www.theirishfield.ie)

David Foster Ball tickets

TICKETS are now on sale for the David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball which will take place on February 18th 2023 at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath. Tickets are €90 for individuals or a table of 10 is €850 for what is always a great evening of fun in wonderful company.

Rooms are available at a discounted rate for a limited time so don’t miss out! Please visit https://www.itsplainsailing.com/org/David to book your tickets!

The David Foster Injured Riders Fund was formed by David’s wife Sneezy in 1999. Its sole purpose is to financially help injured riders. There are four Trustees looking after the fund; Sneezy Foster, Carmel McShea, Caroline Preston, and Emer Hatherell.

To date, the fund has paid out more than €209,500 to over 31 individuals with complete confidentiality.

Book your tickets now and support this very worthy fundraiser.

Carrie Acheson RIP

THE death occurred on January 16th of Caroline (Carrie) Acheson of Russellstown Lodge, Clonmel, peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital. She was predeceased by her dear husband Hugh and will be sadly missed by her loving son Brian, daughter-in-law Carmel, adoring grandchildren Courtney and Robert, brother Aidan, sister Tras, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

A former TD for South Tipperary, Mayor of Clonmel, President of the Irish Red Cross, President of the Clonmel Show and member of the National Ploughing Association, Carrie’s loss will be felt by all those who knew her.

Requiem Mass took place at St Mary’s Church, Irishtown on Thursday, followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery.

Support Ukrainian equine appeal

THE Irish equestrian community is being asked to support a mission to bring veterinary supplies to the horse population in Ukraine. Co Tipperary thoroughbred breeder John B. O’Connor has been to Ukraine three times since the war started and has secured a vehicle which he will drive to Kyiv and Odessa once he has secured the supplies needed. He said: “The thoroughbred breeders, owners and breeze-up consignors are all on board. But we will help all equines we encounter in Ukraine and The Irish Field is the best way to let the sport horse world know about our appeal.” Further details on page 4. Web: Search gofundme.com for ‘Irish Horse Community’ or scan QR code

Olympic coverage

RTÉ confirmed this week that it has secured extensive broadcast rights to the Olympic Games up to and including 2032, across all its platforms, including television, radio and digital as part of an agreement with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Warner Bros Discovery.

As a member of the EBU, RTÉ has successfully secured free-to-air television and digital broadcast rights for Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032 and the Olympic Winter Games in 2026 and 2030. RTÉ has already secured the broadcast rights to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 next summer through Warner Bros Discovery.

Control of Horses Act

GOVERNMENT Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton published the Spring Legislative Programme containing 38 bills for publication and priority drafting by Ministers in the forthcoming Oireachtas session. Included among those to be updated is the 1996 Control of Horses Act and preparatory work is under way.

Meanwhile, work is ongoing to repeal the Dublin Carriage Act (1853-55) (Horse Drawn Carriages Bill) to relieve the Gardai of the regulation and licensing of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin and assert the power of local authorities, including Dublin City Council.

Bracken joins Mullingar EC

WELCOME to Ashlinn Bracken who has joined Mullingar Equestrian Centre in a PR and marketing role for the coming season. Mullingar Equestrian will be hosting its first sale of the year on Thursday, February 16th. More information on mullingarequestrian.com

Clare Cousins RIP

CLONOUGH Riding Club Ballyellen EC paid tribute to their good friend and club member Clare Cousins of Kilkandra Stud, Glenealy, Co Wicklow who died on January 10th at St Vincent’s Private Hospital. Clare was an active club member for many years and will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences were extended to her husband Vincent, their two children Conor and Grainne, granddaughters Siofra and Aoife, sisters Helen, Louise and Rose, nieces Lucy, Elizabeth, Alexa and Ruby, nephews Thomas, Luke and Jake, relatives and friends. At the next leg of the club’s league show on Sunday, there will be donation boxes in aid of Rathdrum Cancer Care, in Clare’s memory. May she rest in peace.