By Daithi Harvey
The agenda and panelists for the inaugural Irish Equine Summit are taking shape with Irish Minister For Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed confirmed as a key note speaker for the event. The full agenda can be viewed here and a flavour of what will be on offer to attendees includes a discussion titled, “How can we evolve, compete and lead the global equine industry – can we collaborate to overcome the challenges?” This will be chaired by Leo Powell, editor of The Irish Field and features Brian Kavanagh, CEO Horse Racing Ireland; Ronan Murphy, CEO Horse Sport Ireland; Noel Cawley, Chairman Teagasc and Meta Osborne, senior steward of The Turf Club. The purpose of the Equine Summit is to reinforce the importance of the equine industry to the overall Irish economy from an employment, export, marketing and education point of view and another session chaired by Lorna Fowler, of Rahinstown Stud is titled, “What does success look like for thoroughbred breeders, an international viewpoint.” Participants in this session include Jim Bolger, Joe Foley, Brendan Holland and Richard Aston of UK based Goldford Stud.
Brian Kavanagh, who recently took part in the IFHA Conference in Paris said, “I'm really looking forward to participating in the Equine Summit. It is through events like this that new ideas are exchanged and discussed and I'm sure it will be a very welcome addition to the equine calendar as we plot our way through the opportunities provided by globalisation and the challenges offered.”
The Equine Summit will kick off at 3pm, Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge with a welcome address from Glanbia Group Chairman Henry Corbally followed by a keynote address from Founder and President of Alltech, Dr. Pearse Lyons. Industry statistics will then be presented by Sasha Kerins, Partner, Head of Agri Food, Grant Thornton before the central plenary discussion commences. Dinner will be served following Minister Creed's address and the breakout sessions will commence at 6.30pm. Tickets for the event cost €55 (including dinner, booking fee and VAT) and are available to purchase online here.
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