Statement from the Eventing Ireland Board
It has come to our attention that certain Event Organisers (EOGs) have issued public statements regarding the withdrawal of events in the diary for the upcoming season.
Until now, we had refrained from advertising this matter with our members, as negotiations with those EOGs remain ongoing. However, due to the nature of the statements issued by certain EOGs both online and in the media, it has become necessary to outline Eventing Ireland’s (EI) position on this issue.
Certain EOGs, represented by Mr. Will Kearney of Frankfort Stud, have presented specific requests to EI which, if accepted, would significantly increase the costs borne by members attending these events. In an effort to avoid unnecessary disruption and to address their concerns, our Chair, Mr. Niki Potterton, entered into good-faith negotiations with Mr. Kearney.
During the course of these discussions, EI raised additional concerns regarding the organisation and management of events.
The Board of EI held a meeting last Wednesday the 22nd January and these negotiations were on the Agenda. Given the nature of requests by EOGs it was determined that the issues that required to be canvassed with members and this would be done at a regional meeting on next Wednesday the 29th January.
It appears that the EOGs took exception to this because on the 23rd January the EI office received at the same time requests from EOGs to withdraw their events. Those EOGs are:
- Lisgarvan
- Grove
- Clyda
- Crecora
- Frankfort Stud
- Scarteen
This was a shock to our Chair and immediate attempts to communicate with Will Kearney were ignored. When a meeting was suggested by the Chair for Monday 27th January, Mr. Kearney made it contingent on the eventing dates being removed. This appeared to the Board to be a negotiating tactic.
Notwithstanding, on Monday, 27th January, the EI Board sent a formal letter to Mr. Kearney inviting him to a meeting, and his response is still awaited. Regrettably, on the same day, a coordinated effort to share incorrect and misleading statements about the issues between EI and the EOGs was observed.
EI remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our members while fostering positive relationships with the EOGs. We will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders and will provide further updates as necessary, including any changes to the eventing diary.
Eventing Ireland event organisers statement. Jan 27th, 2025.
As event organisers, we recognise and appreciate the commitment of every individual involved in making the Eventing Ireland wheel turn. We acknowledge the Eventing Ireland head office as our governing body and the many responsibilities it has in keeping our sport sustainable, progressive, fair, inclusive and most importantly, safe.
In March and April of 2024, there were 2 meetings with the board of EI. At those meetings, there were numerous issues raised by event organisers that they thought needed to be addressed. It was accepted by those board members present that the issues were important and some change needed to be made. The 2024 season came and went and unfortunately, no change was made.
Historically, there has been a dates meeting with the board member appointed to deal with dates. At this meeting, event organisers get an opportunity to voice their concerns and then agree among each other the dates for the coming season.
Eventing Ireland head office is responsible for calling this meeting, but in 2024 they postponed the meeting 2 times and then proceeded to publish a dates calander without having a meeting.
Following Eventing Irelands’ failure to convene an event organisers dates meeting there was an ad hoc group formed to discuss the issues each event had. With plenty of discussion, there was the acceptance that running one day events with the current pricing plan and insurance policy was not sustainable.
There was a letter written from the group to the board outlining the issues and proposed solutions. It was promised to us that our concerns would be treated as a matter of urgency and validity.
These matters were to be discussed at a board meeting on the 22nd of January and the outcome reported back to the EO committee on the 23rd of January, but there was no communication on the 23rd.
The event organisers committee is not in any way satisfied with communications or actions taken by the board in this matter with the appointed chairman of our group, which has caused great concern.
On Friday the 24th of January, the event organisers committee wrote to the board and general manager with the following statement.
It is with great disappointment that I attach the following list of National events to be removed from the 2025 Eventing Ireland calendar immediately.
Lisgarvan
Grove
Clyda
Crecora
Frankfort Stud
Scarteen
We have also been liaising with several venues about submitting dates for this year’s calander. These venues would be willing to submit dates if our issues were addressed.
Clonmahon
Hillcrest
Kilguilkey
Blackstairs
I trust these dates will be removed immediately from the website until such a time that these issues are addressed.
All queries to be directed Will Kearney. Willkearney22@gmail.com
Kind regards,
Will Kearney, Frankfort Stud.
Acting Event organisers chairman.
Clive Corrigan, Lisgarvan.
Rosemary Ponsonby, Grove.
David O’Meara, Clyda.
Gerald Furnell, Crecora.
Chris Ryan, Scarteen.
Michael McNally, Clonmahon.
Dereck Hamilton, Blackstairs.
Danny Dulohery, Kilguikey.
Rodney O’Donnell, Hillcrest.
