Shotgun cartridges sent to ex-showjumping boss

GARDAÍ have begun an investigation after spent shotgun cartridges and several threatening letters were sent to the former chairman of Showjumping Ireland (SJI).

Ronan Corrigan last week received the cartridges, which were posted to his home and the SJI offices in Co Kildare.

Chairman Christy Murphy said the letters had warned Mr Corrigan to quit his position, though they did not specify if this meant his chairmanship of the SJI’s management and finance committee, or his role as a consultant to the body, which governs the sport on a domestic level and is an affiliate of Horse Sport Ireland.

Mr Murphy said: “Ronan received the cartridges, accompanied by threatening notes, last week. It gave him one week to get out of his position. It said something along the lines of: ‘You fucker get out and, if you don’t, we have the lads that will get you out’.

“It is incredible that this should occur in sport. I know 99% of our members would describe this as disgusting,” said Mr Murphy, who added that the gardaí had been informed and are investigating the matter. “We have no idea who is behind this at the moment,” said Mr Murphy.

Mr Corrigan declined to speculate publicly as to the reason for the threats.

“I am disappointed. I did not think there was anybody in showjumping that would stoop to this level. There are a number of possibilities why this might have happened, but since the gardaí are investigating I would prefer not to say anything. As far as I know, Garda forensics are undertaking DNA, handwriting and fingerprinting analysis,” Mr Corrigan said.

“I am taking it seriously, particularly since the letters and packages came to my home and the letters contained an implied threat to my family.”