ILDRA AGM and Prize Giving.

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association held its Annual General Meeting, Dinner and Prize Giving in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 12th March.

The chairman of the Board of Directors, Larry O’Neill, welcomed members and took apologies. Larry then gave a short report outlining another successful year for ILDRA and thanking the many people who make it all possible. The finances for the outgoing year were presented and passed and then Board retired to elect officers for the incoming year. Larry O’Neill stood down as chairman and was replaced by Edward Allen (Leinster Branch). Kirsten Catterall (Ulster Branch) accepted the post of Vice Chairman and Kathy Conly (Ulster Branch) stayed in her post as Secretary. Jocelyn Cathalin (Leinster Branch) remains as Treasurer.

After an interval members enjoyed a buffet style dinner. Kevin Croke then took to the floor to present the trophies and to give his usual banter to all the winners. The atmosphere was jovial and few people escaped his attention. Kirsten Catterall kept Kevin on course throughout the presentation of the various distance awards for Accumulated Pleasure Miles and Competition Miles. Then the Shamrock Awards were presented and Kevin noted how pleasing it was to see an increasing number of horses and riders passing through these levels.

Horse Shoe Achievement certificates and rosettes were awarded to the younger riders (aged twelve and under) for their achievements in 2005. Kevin also made remark on the fact that a number of these riders both in Ulster and Leinster Branches were now giving the adults some healthy competition!

Next Kevin presented the various mileage trophies (Results below).

Finally Larry O’Neill took the floor to make two special awards to individuals who have made a significant impact on ILDRA over the years.

The first award was given to Kelsie Erskine, a veteran rider who rode at ILDRA’s first CTR in 1991 and who continues to support and encourage younger riders. The second special award was given to Kevin Croke for his years of dedication to the promotion of the sport of Endurance at all levels. Both awards seemed to take the individuals concerned by complete surprise, and were accepted with obvious delight.

RESULTS

Jackson’s Pride Trophy

1st – George Finlay

2nd – Dawn Leadon-Bolger

3rd – Helen McFarland

Open Championship

1st – Judith Hyndman – Ardkill Mo

2nd – Nikki Boud – Lionheart

3rd – Yvonne Croke – Salubrios Diamond

Intermediate Championship

1st – Cora Keary – Beancroft Joe Hatter

2nd – Robyn Catterall – Charlie Four Socks

3rd – Elaine Burch – Dunmore Diana

Novice Championship

1st – Helen Parker – Annie

1st – Michael Parker – Woody

2nd – Ruth Sedgeman – Questhill Endeavour

Veterans Trophy

1st – Thomas P Roche – Silver

2nd – Kelsie Erskine – Bertie Lad

3rd – Chris Murphy – Macy Gray

Zara Junior Trophy

1st – Louisa Miller – Salvia

2nd – George Finlay – Misty

3rd – Emily Miller – Tahini

Novice Junior Trophy

1st – Robyn Catterall – Charlie Four Socks

2nd – Elaine Burch – Dunmore Diana

3rd – Evelyn Moore – Galeshill Zorro

York Trophy

1st – Cora Keary – Beancroft Joe Hatter

2nd – Miriam Clarke – Rinka

3rd – Ian Gault – Be Merry

Shamrock Achievers Trophy

1st – Claire Sedgeman – Bedonia

2nd – Michael Griffin – Dhaakirah

3rd – Kelsie Erskine – Bertie Lad

Hussar Pleasure Trophy

1st – Elaine Burch – Dunmore Diana

2nd – Irene McDowell – Annie

3rd – Shona Burch – Scottie

Bint Eastern Zapphire Trophy

1st – Lionheart

2nd – Peer

3rd – Bedonia

Northern Region Trophy

1st – Beancroft Joe Hatter

2nd – J St Jake

3rd - Ardkill Mo

The Boss Trophy

1st - Dantean

2nd - O’Limuru

3rd – Zammar El Noor

Enterprise Trophy

1st – Macy Gray

2nd – Ardkill Mo

3rd – Rinka

Millennium Trophy

1st – Charlie Four Socks

2nd – J St Jake

3rd – Damascus D’Azat

Carrig Dancer Trophy

Evelyn Moore

Michael Moore

Team Spirit Trophy

Sam Hawkins