THE George Mernagh Memorial Fund (GMMF) will award €60,000 in bursaries to Junior and Pony Class riders in 2022, it was announced this week.

Established in memory of the late George Mernagh, who had a lifelong interest and passion in equestrian sports, the objectives of the GMMF are:

  • To support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports;
  • To foster national and international sporting competition in Ireland via the provision of equestrian competition and the facilities that support this competition;
  • To contribute to the education and development of all participants involved in any aspect of Irish equestrianism to the highest possible standards.

    • In accordance with these objectives, training bursaries will be awarded to the top three league finishers in certain EI Youth league classes in 2022.

    Alison Packman, general manager of Eventing Ireland, said: “This initiative is a fantastic addition to the already exciting youth leagues which will build to a climax at the National Championships in September. What GMMF is offering is phenomenal and it will be great to see some of these lucky recipients in a few years holding championship medals for Ireland.”

    Director of GMMF, Roger Casey commented: “George was a huge fan of eventing and without his vision and drive, there would never have been one of the most prestigious international events in Ireland – the Tattersalls International. George was very passionate about supporting youth participation in Irish equestrian sports and the education and development of Irish riders to the highest possible standards. These bursaries help in a small way to achieve these objectives and to continue to honour George’s memory and legacy.”

    The Youth leagues that will benefit from this bursary scheme in 2022 are as follows:

    EI110P (€15,000): 1. €7,500; 2. €5,000; 3. €2,500

    EI110J (€15,000): 1. €7,500; 2. €5,000; 3. €2,500

    EI100P (€15,000): 1.€7,500; 2. €5,000; 3. €2,500

    EI100J (€15,000): 1. €7,500; 2. €5,000; 3. €2,500