Meet the Mayo woman at the centre of the Dublin Horse Show

One Mayo woman will be at the centre of one of the biggest events in the Irish sporting calendar this weekend, as crowds descend on the RDS for the Dublin Horse Show.

From today (Wednesday, August 6) to Sunday, August 10, it is anticipated that over 100,000 people will pass through the gates to take in the sights and the sounds at the prestigious 150th edition of the event.

In total, 1,600 horses will be competing for their share of the €1.4 million on offer.

Ensuring that everything runs smoothly in an event of this magnitude is no mean feat, but Ballinrobe native Fiona Sheridan is well able to step up to the plate.

Sheridan has had big shoes to fill since taking on the role of Show Director in April of this year, after the departure of Pat Hanly, after spending 27 years at the helm. She is also the first woman to take on the job.

However, she has been thriving in the role, having previously been the Equestrian Manager in the Ballsbridge venue.

In conversation with the Irish Times, Sheridan spoke on her upbringing around horses on the banks of the River Robe.

“I’m from near Ballinrobe in Co Mayo, and I grew up with horses,” she stated. “We had mares and stallions at home, and I had ponies and showjumped from a young age.

“I still keep a few horses myself; I couldn’t be without them, so I have a good understanding of the equestrian world and community.”