Murphy takes over as SJI chairman

KILDARE resident Christy Murphy is the new chairman of Showjumping Ireland (SJI) after defeating Connacht man Liam Murphy in a vote at the first meeting of the SJI’s national executive on Tuesday night.

The new chairman has over 40 years involvement in horses and has been a member of the Leinster Region committee for 10 years. Seven of these saw him serve on the national executive, while he also held a seat on the influential management finance committee for five years.

Murphy said he was “delighted to take up the role” which he saw as one of “guiding” the executive.

The major issue that dominated 2010 was a dispute between the SJI and Noel C Duggan. The Millstreet man staged an ‘independent’, unafilliated show in August that drew large numbers of SJI members, who defied threat of sanction by the SJI.

Murphy, however, anticipates an “all-inclusive” year ahead.

“I would love to work with Noel C Duggan. There are no difficulties, he did as he said he would do and has paid his levies. I look forward to a fruitful year and all-inclusive show jumping.”

The meeting also saw outgoing chairman Ronan Corrigan take over as chairman of the management and finance committee.

He will also continue to provide consultancy services, acting as quasi-chief executive, until March.

The SJI’s new vice-chairman is Armagh’s James Kernan, replacing Waterford’s Joan Keane.