Roll Of Honour Inductees announced at Showjumping Ireland Reception in Dublin – Athletes and Officials Honoured

(l-r) Christy Murphy ,Tony Hurley Lorcan Hennessy, Candy Cusack, Francis Connors, Eamon Rice, Andy Hughes, Tom Brennan, Tommy Veale and Joan Keane pictured at the SJI Roll of Honor reception at the RDS in Dublin
Photo: Laurence Dunne/Jumpinaction.net

On their 70th anniversary, Showjumping Ireland hosted a reception on Tuesday December 17th at the Merrion Room, RDS in Ballsbridge, to acknowledge the contribution from those members who have developed the sport of showjumping and officiated at events over many years. These members were inducted into the SJI Hall of Fame, in recognition of their huge contribution to the sport.

Connaught’s Noeleen Kerins and Brid Duffy were inducted, along with Munster’s Tony Hurley, Candy Cusack, Tommy Veale, Francis Connors and Joan Keane. They were joined by Leinster’s Andy & Mary Hughes, Seamus & Anne Hughes, Maureen Bagnall and Ulster’s Eamon Rice.

Also added to the SJI Roll of Honour at the reception, were five individuals who are sadly no longer with us. Munster’s Michael Hennessy and Ivan McDonogh along with Leinster’s Michael Murphy, Ita Brennan and Henry Bateman, were added to the list of inductees for their dedication to the sport over many decades.

James Kernan, Niamh McEvoy,, Lorraine Young, Natasha Foley, Jack Kent and Aoife Fitzpatrick pictured at the SJI Roll of Honor reception at the RDS in Dublin
Photo: Laurence Dunne/Jumpinaction.net

Showjumping Ireland also took the opportunity to recognise the fantastic achievements of many of its athletes during 2024. Once again, Irish youth athletes performed brilliantly on the international stage. European Championship Pony individual Gold Medal winner Jack Kent, and Young Rider individual gold and team silver medal winner Francis Derwin were recognised for their fantastic achievements, as were Young Rider team silver medal team members Tom Wachman, Max Wachman, Niamh McEvoy and Rhys Williams.

Showjumping Ireland National Champion for 2024, Patrick Hickey also received an award, along with Francis Derwin (National Grand Prix League Winner), Natasha Foley (Young Rider National Champion), Aoife Fitzpatrick (National Amateur A champion) and Lorraine Younge who was National Amateur AA Champion