Christine Keymer was a popular choice for the Person of the Year Award at last Saturdays Association of Irish Riding Clubs Lancelot Awards which took place at The County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co. Offaly.
The Carne member was been described as an outstanding sports woman who always has time for others and is supportive and helpful to all. The Enniscorthy resident has achieved much in recent years with a win at the Hunter Trials Championships while also featuring on the team which finished 4th at the RDS last August.
Christine was delighted with the award and said afterwards, ”It’s a great honour and I’ve had great support from you all. I don’t know who nominated me but I would especially like to thank them as I wouldn’t have won this award without their nomination. I’m enjoying every minute of this.”
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A club from the Midlands was named Club of the Year for the first time since the awards were introduced in 2005. Mosstown Riding Club, who had a exceptional year last year after they won the Horseware Team Show Jumping title at the Dublin Horse Show while they were third in the Team Eventing Championship and sixth in the Team Dressage Championship.
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Cheval’s Maria Carrick pick up the Club Secretary of the Year Award for her efforts on behalf of the Dublin based club.
Maria, who has been a member of the club for the past 18 years, was described as someone who upholds and demonstrates every quality, skill and knowledge any committee would have the pleasure and fortune to encounter.
The Cheval member demonstrates natural leadership in matters of difficulty while bringing impartiality, fairness, respect and most of all kindness to the role.
Marie Smiddy was announced as the recipient of the Club Member of the Year Award.
The Lismore member was described as the go to person in the West Waterford based club as she is always in good form, cheery and has words of praise and encouragement for all club members.
Marie volunteers and also regularly competes at events with her beloved mare Grainne.
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The final accolade of the day, the Lancelot Award was awarded jointly to Emily Mac Donagh and Gerry Thompson who both provided exemplary service to the Association over the years.
Emily, a former member of the Board was also a key player at the Riding Clubs Festival for many years where she oversaw the running of the showing classes.
Gerry, a former vice president of the Association, judged many competitions particularly at the lower levels providing guidance and support to those in the competition ring.
The Lancelot Awards are presented annually by the Association of Irish Riding Clubs to recognise the efforts of its members who regularly go beyond the call of duty in organising or helping at all levels with the Association.
