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In a previous life I spent a huge amount of time sitting on a horse – my sister and I were members of the local hunt; I started working in a racing yard when I was a teenager; my uncle trained a few and in college I worked as a groom for my friend. I even taught equine science as my first job out of college. So it was a great honour and privilege to be asked to be a part of the judging panel for the best dressed award at the Showjumpers Ball last Saturday night.
This year’s gala ceremony was a particularly poignant occasion, as guests were honouring the memory of Jack Dodd – a very talented young rider from Mayo who tragically lost his life in June following a car accident. Christmas can be a hard time for families who are mourning and remembering those that are no longer around to celebrate with us.
Jack’s family has since set up a foundation to support the charities that were integral to his battle. Farmers volunteer a lot of their time, some through charities, some in the form of helping each other and some in industry advocacy, taking roles on boards and committees. On page 30, Margaret Hawkins profiles three farmers who give back to their communities through their involvement. Volunteering in whatever form it takes is very important to Irish rural communities and deserves recognition and appreciation.
On page six, Ciara Leahy speaks with two Irish women living abroad who experience a very different type of Christmas and although there are things that they miss, there is a joy in spending time with family and friends and reflecting on the year that has past. Richie and I went to Australia for Christmas in 2010 and I completely agree with Enrika’s synopsis of the difference. Now to be fair, we had spent the best part of two days in Heathrow with all our flights cancelled during the worst snow I can remember, so simply getting there was a major relief – even if there was no turkey.
Although it can be difficult, it is also a time to celebrate and with modern technology those away are not too difficult to reach. Although it will be quieter in our house with no visitors this year, we do have a very excited three-year-old and five-year-old looking forward to the arrival of Santa and I think that this week’s cover will definitely have them opening the paper in excitement.
Most of the Christmas parties are now over, but I will look forward to a day out in Leopardstown post-Christmas. The cool air and the smell of the horses remind me of the many great days I have had out either on a horse or watching them. When I go racing I attempt to make at least one bit of the outfit myself.
I think I have said about 500 times: ‘I am going to do that now over Christmas.’ As if the few days of the holiday season were never ending. Mother only yesterday queried when we were starting the red suit I have been talking about since August and I said: ‘I’ll cut it out over Christmas.’ Let’s see how that goes.
Have a happy and safe Christmas. CL
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