THE funeral of Frank O’Sullivan of Skevanish Equestrian Centre, Innishannon, took place last week after his passing on December 27th.

Frank died peacefully in the Mercy University Hospital in the presence of his loving family. Frank, beloved husband of Gillian and dear father of Vanessa and Kieran, was described by his family as a “wonderful, compassionate, intelligent, witty man of many talents” who will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family, son-in-law Desmond Crowley, grandchildren Darian, Dylan, Kaelen and Avena, sister Margo, brothers-in-law Chris and Richard, extended family, neighbours and his many friends especially in the Horse Community.

Dressage Ireland described Frank as ‘a most fair and knowledgeable judge for the past 40 plus years, who often injected humour when a situation required it’. Rest in Peace.

Green and White ball approaches

TIME is running out and spaces are running out for the Eventing Ireland Youths Green White and Gold Ball in Barberstown Castle on January 20th.

Attendees will have the chance to win some super spot prizes, including a handmade sterling silver necklace from Equine Jeweller George Bryan, an environment and nutrition package from The Equine Centre, a studio portrait photography session from Ni Riain Photography and loads of other goody bags.

There will also be a fundraising raffle on the night for the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

Compere for the night is Peter Quirke and the new Horse Sport Ireland acting head of High Performance sport, Bernard Jackman, will be there to say a few words. Dance the night away to DJ Murt with friends.

To book, visit itsplainsailing.com/org/eipyc#event-44432

Condolences extended to Murphy family

DRESSAGE Ireland has extended its deepest condolences to Ronan Murphy, FEI Director of Dressage, Para Dressage and Vaulting and former Horse Sport Ireland CEO and his family on the sad passing of his brother Damien.

“Our thoughts are with the Murphy family at this difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support of those around you”, they posted.

High Performance programmes now open

HORSE Sport Ireland is now inviting applications for the 2024 Pony, Junior, Young Rider and U25 Eventing High Performance programmes.

Anyone aiming for the Eventing Youth European Championships at Pony, Junior or Young Rider level, will need to register for the relevant level.

To register interest, please visit the HSI website: www.horsesportireland.ie; for enquiries, please contact Aileen Cartwright, acartwright@horsesportireland.ie

HSI Stallion Selections

APLICATIONS for the 2024 Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections are now open.

The inspection dates for classification of stallions within the Irish Sport Horse, Irish Sport Pony and Irish Draught Horse Studbooks, to be held in Cavan Equestrian Centre, are Thursday, March 21st and Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9pm on Wednesday, January 31st.

Please note that the Early Bird application fee of €350 has expired and the fee is now €500.

The Irish Sport Horse, Irish Sport Pony and Irish Draught Horse Studbooks Stallion Selections are subject to funding by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Equine Technical Support Fund.