The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show has been packing in the crowds this week at the RDS and today is the big day with the Aga Khan Trophy up for grabs.
The families and horse sport fans are joined in watching events unfold by overseas enthusiasts for whom the sport is the tip of a substantial industry in which Ireland is an undoubted world leader.
The horse sport sector is worth an estimated €700 million per annum to the Irish economy and additional funding from the Department of Agriculture in last year’s budget has given impetus to a drive to increase that further through exports and international marketing.
Funding
The sum of €600,000 in additional funding has been targeted at international growth and Elaine Hatton was appointed as International Marketing Director to head up this drive. Two months into her new role this week is the home showpiece of what Ireland has to offer to the world.
It appears that the money is in safe hands. Hatton was previously Head of Marketing for Glanbia Agribusiness and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing so she will know her way around the airports and arenas that will be her ‘patch’ for the next few years.
Bertram Allen’s performances in the show jumping ring, allied to Cian O’Connor’s high profile and nine Irish riders in the World Top 100 have heightened awareness of the sport here to near the levels previously see in the era of Eddie Macken and Boomerang, and with an Olympics looming the prospect of medals for team Ireland is a real possibility.
Investment
Investment is also coming through the involvement this week and at the European Championships of Investec as Ireland team sponsor.
Horse Sport Ireland has today published it’s annual report for 2014, showing a small deficit on the year in financial terms but looking likely to turn a corner led by high levels of performance. You can download a copy by clicking on the image to the left.
584 licensed international riders competed for Ireland in the year, across 29 countries around the world. They are the ambassadors that Horse Sport Ireland, it’s new international Marketing Director and the Government will be keen to see adding to the national coffers as well as the bank of reputation.
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