Despite having the spectre of Brexit breathing down their necks, Ministers Michael Creed (Agriculture Food and the Marine) and Michael Ring (Rural and Community Development) have continued their commitment to funding both Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and the Irish Shows Association (ISA).

HSI got an additional €1m in funding through Budget 2020, while €600,000 was again earmarked for the ISA’s 120 affiliated events.

Given the fears over Brexit’s impact on the Irish economy, both of these Departments could have been forgiven for being extra cautious in relation to the horse industry and agricultural shows. The fact that this did not happen is a clear signal that the important contribution of these sectors to the well-being of rural Ireland, and to the exchequer, is being recognised more and more.

Rural celebration

Announcing the third year of grants to shows by his Department, Minister Ring hit just the right note when he said: “Agricultural shows are a great celebration of rural Ireland and an integral part of our culture. The shows provide a welcome boost for local economies and attract visitors to enjoy our rural towns and villages at their best.”

Each of the ISA’s affiliated shows will benefit to the tune of €5,000. Having served as an agricultural show secretary I know how hugely important that support will be. Oftentimes a show will have a good year with weather and attendance, which results in a profit.

However, when that revenue is spent on showground improvement and safety measures, a rainy day the following year can easily bring about a deficit. In that context, a buffer of €5,000 is very significant.

ISA national secretary Jim Harrison commented: “It means a great deal. These grants will do much to offset the phenomenal costs of running a show and help with putting health and safety measures in place.”

Welcome funds

The additional €1m will bring HSI’s annual funding from the Department of Agricultural up to €4m.

Further monies will also be coming their way from Sport Ireland to help meet the costs of sending Ireland’s three equestrian teams to the Tokyo Olympics next summer.

While not yet reaching the targets set by HSI and the industry’s economic forum, the extra money is still a welcome boost.

As HSI chief executive Ronan Murphy put it: “The budget this year was always going to be challenging and, against this backdrop, we welcome the additional funding from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine to support our strategic plan.”