'An Audience with Joe Schmidt' fundraiser for horse racing charities

Three horse racing charities, Irish Injured Jockeys, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and the Drogheda Memorial Fund have come together to host ‘An Audience with Joe Schmidt’ on Thursday 17th January at 1pm in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare.
 
Irish rugby’s record-breaking head coach will discuss his love of horse racing, his involvement in racehorse ownership, his early days as a basketball coach, his life changing decision to move his family from New Zealand to Ireland, and his transition to one of rugby’s greatest ever coaches.
 
With Ireland pushing New Zealand all the way in the world rankings, 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for Irish rugby. Joe will chat to Hugh Cahill, RTÉ’s rugby commentator, about Ireland’s chances at the upcoming Six Nations Championship, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, his decision to step down as coach of the Irish rugby team next year and his plans for the future. Guests will get the chance to ask Joe questions in a Q&A session afterwards.
 
The event will also feature a charity auction which will include an array of racing and sporting items and memorabilia, concert tickets, art, luxury hotel stays, rounds of golf with sporting stars and a VIP day at the races.
 
Tables of 10, which include lunch, are now available for €1,000. Please contact Donal O’Shea from the Drogheda Memorial Fund on (045) 445 620 or by email donal.oshea@ihrb.ie

 Irish Injured Jockeys
Irish Injured Jockeys was set up in 2014 to increase awareness and raise vital funds to support injured jockeys. Funds raised through Irish Injured Jockeys go to the injured riders who are in most need of support.
 
Irish Horse Welfare Trust
Irish Horse Welfare Trust was established in 1999 to help the plight of horses in Ireland. As Ireland’s largest dedicated equine charity, it provides a dedicated centre, equipped for 65 horses and ponies, including re-training retired racehorses, at their equine centre in Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow.
 
Drogheda Memorial Fund
Drogheda Memorial Fund was established in 1893 to provide temporary and permanent financial assistance to trainers and riders who find themselves in needy circumstances whether from age, sickness, accident or misfortune. It also provides funds for the widows and children of such people. Income for the fund is derived from a portion of the annual licence fees of jockeys, qualified riders (amateur jockeys) and trainers, from investment income and from voluntary donations.