AGM and awards night for Eventing Ireland NR
Elections held; social media, body protectors and training discussed
On Tuesday, January 16, Eventing Ireland Northern Region held their AGM. The weather tried it’s best to put a stop to proceedings, but the eventing crowd are made from stern stuff and nearly 40 friends and members made it to the venue in Ballygowan, Co. Down. Event Co-Ordinator and part time International jet setter Dora Beacom had flown in from Spain to run her ‘Grassroots Training Event’ at the Meadows Equestrian Centre the night before, attend the AGM and then hop on a plane back to Spain on Wednesday morning!
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Acting Chairman, Jean Mitchell, welcomed everyone and paid tribute to former Northern Region Chairman Catherine Abbott (who was in attendance); thanking her for the many years of support and dedication that she had given to the Northern Region. Catherine will continue to help out with the Flexi Eventing League and the Annual Awards Ball, as time allows. She will also remain on the Eventing Ireland Board.
The official business was commenced by the acceptance of the 2022 Minutes and Treasurer John McBride presented the financial report for 2023. Despite several cancellations due to the wettest summer since records began, the events managed to make a small profit of just over £600. The new model of not running events every week has helped to keep entries buoyant and costs to a minimum, alongside the introduction of the new EI80 classes. Overall, the accounts made for much better reading than in 2022.
Jean Mitchell MBE gave the Chairman’s address, thanking all present for taking the time to attend the evening and welcoming some new faces to the Eventing family. After a review of the 2023 events, Jean paid tribute to the friends and members lost over the last 12 months, namely Christopher Pooler, David Corbett and Patricia MacKean, all great supporters of equestrian sport, but in particular Eventing Ireland.
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Jean mentioned that a new event would be held in 2024, Ash Hollow, by kind permission of the Callion family in Dromore, Co. Tyrone. Jean congratulated all those who competed on teams and represented Ireland on the international stage in 2023 and thanked all the land owners, sponsors and volunteers that make the events possible. A huge thank you was paid to Dora Beacom for all her hard work and dedication to the Northern Region; Dora says it is a team effort, but every team needs a great leader and Dora certainly ticks that box!
Carole Young, Lawrence Patterson, Jonathan Steele, Stuart Stirling, John McBride and Dora Beacom were all retiring from committee but eligible for re-election. They were duly re-elected, with David Lowry proposing their re-election and Fran McCormick seconding. There were no new nominations to committee.
The floor was opened for Any Other Business and members took the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of social media and Declan Cullen discussed the change in standards for body protectors in 2024. A timely reminder for members to check their hats and body protectors are up to standard for the season ahead and that hats are tagged.
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The Grassroots Training held the night before and the launch of the ‘Beginners Guide to Eventing’, written by Dora Beacom, at the event was also discussed amongst the floor.
Everyone assembled agreed the evening had been a great success, imparting knowledge from the likes of Trevor Smith, Jonathan Steele, Clare Palmer and Jean Mitchell. Dora Beacom confirmed the feedback had been positive and there was another training evening in the pipeline!
The annual committee awards were presented at the conclusion of official business.
AWARDS
John Martin Award (someone who contributes to the advancement and promotion of our sport) –Jill Delany presented to Raymond Bready
Pooler Trophy (for international performance) – Caroline Keatley presented to Callie Berry, on behalf of Susie Berry.
Stinson Award (someone who contributes to the sport by Effort, Endeavour and Example) – Dora Beacom presented to the Turley family and the Tullymurry staff and volunteers.
Special Recognition Award (for unpaid volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty) - Dora Beacom presented to Magdalena Oleszek.
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Jean Mitchell brought the meeting to a conclusion, thanked everyone for their attendance and wished everyone well in 2024. In conclusion, Jean reminded everyone that the Flexi Eventing League, sponsored by Bailey’s Horse Feeds, was in full swing at the Meadows Equestrian Centre each Saturday. Entries must be sent to Dora Beacom the Wednesday before. Jean also announced that the annual Eventing Ireland two-phase would take place on March 9, 2024, by kind permission of John Corbett.
ELECTIONS
Office bearers for 2024 are as follows:
Georgia Stubington – Chairman
Jean Mitchell MBE – Vice-Chairman
Event Organiser – Dora Beacom
Honorary Secretary – Catherine McDowell
Treasurer – John McBride
Committee Rider Representative – Jonathan Steele
Committee members are:
Ronnie Beggs, Vina Buller, Denis Currie, Elizabeth Hamilton, Nicky Nesbitt, David Lowry, Lawrence Patterson, Stuart Stirling, Carole Young.