L-R: Terri Brosnan, Linda Christie, Lesley-Ann Fox, Ann Kelly, Caroline Horner, Cormac O’Rourke, Edmond Mahony, Simon Kerins, Mag Power, Lolo Parkhill, Caroline Bjork, Jessica Harrington, Niki Potterton
Tattersalls Ireland hosted the official launch of the George Mernagh Tattersalls Horse Trials on Friday 24th July at Tattersalls Country House, marking the countdown to the event’s new September date. The gathering welcomed senior figures from Irish eventing and Tattersalls to celebrate a fixture created in memory of the late George Mernagh, former Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, and to look ahead to its return on Sunday 13th September.
The launch was attended by Jessica Harrington, President of Eventing Ireland; Niki Potterton, Chair of Eventing Ireland; Edmond Mahony, Chairman of Tattersalls; Linda Christie, Secretary for the George Mernagh Tattersalls Horse Trials, Andrea Ryan, CEO, Treo Eile along with Simon Kerins, CEO, Tattersalls Ireland, Brendan McArdle from The Irish Field, John Sheridan, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Mag Power and Jennifer Kennedy of Overlander. Broadcaster Robert Hall served as Master of Ceremonies for the launch, guiding guests through a programme of speeches and reflections on George Mernagh’s legacy within the sport.
Guests heard how the event, previously held in August, has been reshaped for 2026 with a new date, a redesigned Cross-Country track from international course designer Paul Brady, and the introduction of a six-year-old 110cm class competed for a perpetual trophy bearing George’s name.
Edmond Mahony, Chairman of Tattersalls, said:
“I just want to thank my Board, Simon Kerins and the team here because without them it wouldn’t be happening. Also to Cormac O’Rourke, who is Manager of the grounds here and he has really got behind it. When Tattersalls bought this site in 1988, the objective had always been to have a multitude of equestrian sports here. We have the Point-to-Point course here, the July Show, and the Eventing was a logical step to that which George pioneered and progressed. The link with racing has always been there and Tattersalls had the vision to tap into that.
Jessica Harrington, President of Eventing Ireland, said:
“George was the driving force behind Tattersalls. It has been an amazing event – I saw Tattersalls to grow from a one-day event to an International Event and very popular. I have watched all my children ride here and I am delighted that a one-day event has been introduced in George’s name.”
Niki Potterton, Chair of Eventing Ireland, added:
“Everything is very exciting for us at Eventing Ireland, to be back here. Everyone loves to be here. Even though it’s a National day, it’s like an International! There’s stables, there’s car parking, facilities are fantastic. It’s great that Tattersalls have come back to us and want to do this again.”
Linda Christie, Secretary, said:
“It’s great to have this event back. Who doesn’t want to ride at Tatts! We have a new committee who are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We’ve got sponsors, our volunteers, which we all know we couldn’t run without them. We’ve named the event after George Mernagh from his passion for eventing. The feedback from all the riders since we announced it has been really positive.”
