Posters advertising primary school fundraiser defaced near Navan

Up to 10 posters advertising a fundraising event for a primary school near Navan have been defaced in an act of vandalism. The posters, sponsored by local businesses, were advertising a popular annual cross-country chase with horses that will take place next month in aid of Lismullin National School. This is the 18th consecutive year for the Johnstown Chase, the school's main source of income, to take place, having been first established by the parents' association at the school. The organisers believe that the posters were targeted by anti-bloodsports campaigners in the misplaced belief that the event was an actual hunt, whereas it is a cross-country chase over a pre-set route. Pots of paint had been thrown over the posters. "It is the only source of funds for the school, and a lot of work is put into it every year," a spokesperson for the committee said. "And we have sponsors who generously give monies towards the printing of these posters advertising the event." It appears it was posters that were located in more remote areas that have been targeted. Those near houses or busy spots haven't been touched. The posters damaged includes those sponsored by Kevin Brady Car Sales, Sherlock Interiors, New Millennium Plumbing & Heating, Equipet, Hire 2K and Boylesports. The hunt run was established to create much-needed funds for the school. The first three runs were centred on the hall in Johnstown. A Connemara pony was raffled one year, which was won by a lady from Wexford and was duly named Raffles. He went on to win at the Dublin Horse Show. "The course is pre-ordained, and there is no chasing of animals, be it hares, foxes or deer involved," the organisers said. "Which is what anti-bloodsports campaigners have been lobbying for. This is the second year this has happened and the culprits should realise that their impression of the event is mistaken," the spokesperson added. Gardai are investigating the incidents.