Establishment Of A New National Governing Body For Horse Sport In Ireland

Joint Press Release from
John O'Donoghue TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, and Joe Walsh TD, Minister for Agriculture and Food

Mr John O'Donoghue TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and Mr Joe Walsh TD, Minister for Agriculture and Food, today (Tuesday 4th March, 2003) welcomed the outcome of discussions on the "Proposals on the establishment of Horse Sport Ireland - a new National Governing Body (NGB) for Equestrian Sport in Ireland". The proposal to establish a new NGB for Horse Sport was the outcome of discussions chaired by Mr. Liam Connellan to develop a new Strategy Plan for the sector.

At a meeting on 21st February 2003, the Equestrian Federation of Ireland, the Irish Horse Board, the Irish Sports Council and the Departments of Arts, Sport and Tourism and Agriculture and Food agreed to work towards the establishment of Horse Sport Ireland as the new unified National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in Ireland.

All parties at the meeting agreed to the formation of an Implementation Group, which will oversee the setting up of the new structures by January 2004. The Implementation Group will start its work immediately and will be chaired by an Independent Chairman, to be appointed shortly.

The Ministers stated: "The new NGB will significantly strengthen the horse sport sector, bringing a new common purpose to future development and lead to greater organisational efficiencies. The year 2004 is fast approaching and it is our hope that the new body will be a positive influence on Ireland's equestrian performance at the Athens Olympics".

http://www.horsesport.ie

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