The National Pony Awards Ball takes place this Saturday the 23rd of January at the Newpark Hotel Kilkenny. The evening begins with a complimentary drinks reception at 7pm followed by dinner at 8pm. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a great night. Limited tickets are still available from the Showjumping Ireland office on 045 852230.
This year the National Pony Committee has teamed up with the charity Irish Autism Action. Irish Autism Action was founded in 2001 by parents of children with autism. Autism is often referred to as the ‘hidden’ disability because people who are autistic show no significant physical difference to their peers, rather it is their behaviours that mark them out as different.
People with autism have difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with people, in developing language and in using abstract concepts. It also impacts on their ability to make sense of the world around them. The official figure for Ireland is 1 in 100.
Irish Autism Action is a young dynamic, innovative and passionate organisation formed in 2001 which is bringing positive change into the lives of those affected by autism. The range of services which Irish Autism Action provides includes awareness raising, early detection and diagnosis, education support, advocacy, counselling, helpline, home based support, transition planning, social housing, research information and advice for families upon receiving diagnosis.
50% of all proceeds from the auction at this year’s National Pony Awards Ball will be donated to Irish Autism Action on the night. Please find a list of auction items as follows:
- Case of wine donated by Patrick Heffron
- RDS Ringside table with food and wine for 6 people for Sundays Grand Prix donated by Peter Houston
- Inchydoney Hotel Weekend Break presented by Barra & Susan Sweetman
- Cavan Equestrian Centre Stabling for four ponies at HPI presented by Stuart Clarke
- One night B&B stay in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis and stabling for 2 at Ennis Showgrounds for Pony Spring tour weekend
- Mullingar Equestrian Centre stabling for 2 x 3 times donated by Robert Fagan
- Bottle of Malted Whiskey presented by Mrs Gibson
- Tour of Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Stables donated by Kate Wachman
- Millstreet Stables donated by Thomas Duggan
- Portrait painting by Patrick Furnell donated by National Training Committee
- Barnadown Show entries to the value of €100.00 X 2
- Raheen na Gun Stud Arena Hire to the value of €300.00
- Tim Brennan Vetting donateted by Gowran Castle Veterinary
- Commdt. John Ledingham Showjumping lesson
- Pallet of horse feed from Connolly’s RED MILLS
- Goresbridge Horse Sales 4 entries donated by Martin Donohoe
- Pallet of Comfy Bed shavings donated by Sheerans