SJI to allow regions use funding for non-sporting activities
The decision was agreed at a meeting of the SJI’s management and finance committee this week and, according to SJI chairman Christy Murphy, it was in recognition of the financial difficulty facing the four regions.
“Allowing the regions to spend the money as they see fit is in recognition of the fact they do not have the necessary funding to undertake their normal activities,” said Murphy yesterday, who revealed that the funding has been cut from €15,000 to €10,000, per region.
“Their only means of raising income is pony measuring, along with the regional allocation. This is determined on the basis of membership, which has seen a fall-off of approximately 15% in the past three years. As a result that level of funding is down.
“The sports development funding was originally given to the regions on the basis they must raise a similar amount, but this rule was relaxed in 2011 and it is gone altogether next year,” said Murphy.
He said there would be no increase in membership or registration fees in 2012, but added: “I believe that whoever runs the SJI in 2012, if they do a good job, they will be entitled to seek a small rise in fees the following year to cover the additional cost of doing business, ie the insurance premium, which is up €80,000.”
Munster chairman Ivan McDonagh said its sports development grant would again be spent directly on sport.
“At this moment in time, the €10,000 will, as was previously done, go towards the Greyhound Night funding. Since the money has been reduced, we recognise we will have to undertake greater fundraising to make up the balance.”
Leinster chairman Charlie Murphy said: “We are running at a deficit and, with reduced registrations funding from central registry, all regions are put to the pin of their collar.
“Heretofore, the sports development money was used for PR, a prize for the league winner and runner-up of the Leinster Mini Grand Prix, as well as for three sub-branches, who got money towards running leagues. I believe next year the funding will be used for sport, but,,, the AGM is Monday night and I would not want to pre-empt the incoming committee as to how they will use it.”
Neither the Connaught nor Ulster chairmen could be contacted for a response.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned Munster Greyhound Fundraiser generated an impressive €20,000 last Friday, to the delight of organiser Jerry Sweetnam.
“This is an increase of €3,000 on the previous year, thanks to the hard work of a small few in each county and to members themselves.
“We are going in the right direction and I am confident that, when the leagues start up again next year, people will see the value of the fundraiser and the benefits of supporting their own sport. If every member buys just one book of tickets, we have the potential to more than double this figure.
“I would like to express a big thanks to everybody. It is a tremendous fillip in these bad times.”
* CIAN O’CONNOR gives his latest acquisition Blue Loyd his first big outing at the four-star show in Salzburg, Austria, this weekend.
The 11-year-old gelding, owned by a syndicate, was formerly ridden by Norway’s Nina Braaten and arrived at O’Connor’s Karlswood Stables a few weeks ago.
O’Connor said he is “a great lead horse for Carpe Diem, Ballymore Eustace, Everything and O’Connell Street to follow in behind”. He describes the Landor S offspring as a star... one that could perhaps allow him challenge for one of the two individual Olympic places Ireland could take.
“He’s proven he can jump the biggest tracks. He was clear in World Cup shows at Verona and Stuttgart last year and Oslo this year and also at the European Championships in the nations cup.
“I think he’s one of the best I have had and is a rarity, as he is super careful and has the ability to jump the biggest courses in the world. There’s no doubt he has Olympic potential,” said O’Connor.
Also competing in Salzburg will be Alex Duffy and Dermott Lennon.
Watch Blue Loyd and Braaten’s clear round at the European Championships: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yYKtn1sNAM
* BILLY TWOMEY and Denis Lynch take on eight rivals in the International Jumping Riders Club Top 10 Final in Paris today.
The competition of the world’s elite riders boasts €200,00 in prize money and the Irish pair will be hoping to make up for not cashing in at last weekend’s Global Champions Tour final in Abu Dhabi.
Tomorrow sees the top 10 men in the world rankings take on the top 10 women, while there is €300,000 up for grabs in Sunday’s Gucci Grand Prix.
In a two-star show at the French fixture, Conor Swail and Nepomuk were victorious yesterday in a speed class.
* CORK’S Kate Horgan has been selected to act as a show jumping steward at next year’s Olympics.
While she filled the same role at WEG in Kentucky, this will be her first time to officiate at an Olympics.
“I’m honoured to be a steward, and looking forward to what will be a challenging task,” she said.
* NEWLY-ELECTED member of ShowjumpingIreland’s Cork/Kerry branch, Sean Kelly, has urged parents to consider the implications before asking Santa for a pony.
Buying a pony can be a great investment, but needs to be thought through, said the owner of Lucky Meadows riding school in Watergrasshill. Kelly gave his top six criteria to consider before acquiring a pony.
1. Do you have the skills and training support to take on a pony?
2. Pony upkeep comes at a cost, can you afford this?
3. Buying a pony can be easy or a nightmare. Be certain the pony is suitable for its purpose.
4. Have the pony vetted.
5. Consider also the cost of equipment, ie the saddle and bridle.
6. Ditto, a farrier, who will be required every six weeks.
