Former INS boss John Clarke dies after illness

JOHN Clarke, former CEO of the Irish National Stud and adviser to the owner of Sea The Stars, Mrs Tsui, died peacefully on Thursday in Blackrock Hospice, Dublin, after a long illness. His funeral Mass takes place on Wednesday, June 7th, at 10am in the Church of the Assumption, Dalkey. There will be no burial as John has donated his body to UCD School of Medicine. He is survived by his wife Monica, son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Sinéad, granddaughter Lottie, and extended family. A full obituary will be published in The Irish Field next week.

Goggin Insurances takes Hive’s equine business

GOGGIN Insurances has acquired Hive Insurance’s equine liability business with effect from June 4th. This includes riding schools, racing yards, private yards and individual public liability policies underwritten by Liberty Mutual.

Alex Lyons of Goggin Insurances said: “This transaction is part of our strategic plan to grow the business both organically and by acquisition.

“We have established Goggin Insurance as one of the fastest growing equine brokers providing quality products at competitive premiums with a fast, efficient, professional service.

“As we are horse owners ourselves involved in the equine industry, we understand the needs and requirements of all aspects of the industry. We provide practical assistance to our clients in risk assessment and Health and Safety, in conjunction with external consultants.”

The Dublin-based firm also provides insurance for stud farms, bloodstock, horseboxes and trailers.

Lyons added: “We are excited to welcome Hive Insurance’s liability clients to Goggin Insurances and we look forward to continuing growing our equine business over the coming years.”

Goggin Insurances can be contacted on 01 8730600 or by email on info@goggin.ie

Punchestown photography exhibition next weekend

RACEGOERS heading to Punchestown’s two-day meeting next weekend (June 10th and 11th) will be treated to an exhibition of Punchestown photographs. The ‘More than Horses’ competition was run in association with Bermingham Cameras during the recent Punchestown Festival and the finalists will have their selected photographs exhibited on the ground floor of the main grandstand next weekend. The overall winner will be selected on Sunday and will receive a Canon camera worth over €2,000. The competition will become an annual event.