MINISTER Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met with the Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland Joe Walsh to discuss the sport horse sector.

The meeting took place at Stormont where Horse Sport Ireland updated the Minister on the progress of their organisation since they became the Governing body for the sector on the island in 2008.

Speaking after the meeting she said: “The meeting with Joe Walsh has provided a valuable opportunity to hear first hand the work of Horse Sport Ireland. It is clear that we need one body in the north of Ireland to bring this fragmented sector together and DARD has engaged with the sector in working towards delivering on the actions in the equine strategy.”

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh who was Minister for Agriculture in the south from 1992-1994 and again from 1997 to 2004 said that the meeting had been very useful. He said: “Minister Gildernew has a very good understanding of the sport horse sector and was very up to date on all the issues. The meeting was helpful and it is clear that the Minister is committed to moving the sector forward which is very welcome.”

HSI Chairman Joe Walsh with Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA at Stormont