WHEN you could oh so easily write a complete article about a single speaker’s presentation, that makes a worthwhile conference. Likewise, for the Irish Horse Board (IHB) promotion and marketing conference audience, there was advice, marketing tips, insights into the international circuit and networking possibilities at the inaugural event.

Local business Connolly’s Red Mills is a Kilkenny success story, as is the conference venue itself: the Lyrath Estate Hotel. The estate’s colourful history - dating from Norman times and with the original castle once changing hands for four shillings - mirrors the changes and challenges faced by the Irish Sport Horse industry.