The following candidates are seeking election to the Executive Committee to serve a three-year term.

Members of the National Committee will vote at a meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

The candidates for the three positions on the Board of Directors are as follows:

Thomas Daniels

Thomas, a member for over 20 years, is with Tynagh Riding Club in Galway where he held many positions. Thomas was chairperson of the Western region, which covers a large geographical area, for a three year term. During this time he brought cohesion throughout the region which helped it operate more effectively.

Thomas, a member of the National Committee for 10 years, has been on the Executive for 9 years. Thomas assists at most National Championships and is involved in organising the festival each year. He actively competes at shows each weekend and brings his vast experience to the Executive.

Melissa O’Connor

The Ashwood member has been a member for almost twenty years. Mellissa has been an active member during this time and is currently secretary of the Wexford/Wicklow based club. Melissa has travelled far and near to compete in AIRC activities at regional and national level. Being active gives Mellissa the opportunity to see what is happening at grassroots level and bring this to the Executive.

Melissa enjoys showing and eventing, as this keeps her abreast of all three disciplines. Melissa actively helps where possible and is involved in running a successful show prior to the festival each year.

Jane Power

I joined over 25 years ago, and served as secretary and chairman of Springfield Riding Club. I have been a member of the Regional Committee for 20 years now and have represented this region on the National Committee since it was formed.

For over 6 years, I was a volunteer in the office in Bray and Greystones. I ran the showing at the festival successfully for some years and, since then, have worked in putting together the scheduling of the classes and the competitor times. I also work in the festival office over the entire weekend of the event itself.

Louise Somers

Louise has been a member of the Association since 2001 and has been very active within the North East Region. Louise has served as a member of the Regional Committee for over 10 years, in various roles including Regional Secretary. Louise is a member of the National Committee since 2011 and says it’s a role that she enjoys immensely.

As a grassroots competitor, Louise feels that she has a good sense of what members are experiencing within the Association and would love the opportunity to join the Executive Committee to work towards an ever-improving organisation.