Business & Money | Thursday 14 April, 2016 12:27 pm |

The finalists short-listed for the top five categories in the 2016 Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards were announced today. Each of the finalists will be rewarded as there is a first prize and two runners-up prizes in each category.

The winner in each of these five categories will receive a specially-commissioned trophy and €5,000. The winner's yard, stud or company will also win €4,000 to be divided among employees. The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

All the finalists in each category have been interviewed by the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Judging Committee.

Categories and short-listed nominees:

Administration Award

Pauline Byrne - Office Manager at Derrinstown Stud, County Kildare

Denis Hickey - Racing Secretary at Ballydoyle, County Tipperary 

Martina Murphy-Dunne - Racing Secretary for Dermot Weld, County Kildare

Stud Employee Award

Mick Conroy - Stud Groom/Head Lad at Eyrefield House Stud, County Kildare

Nuala Healy - Manager at Ballincurrig House Stud, County Cork

Mick Ryan - Head Stud Groom/Yard Manager at Derrinstown Stud, County Kildare

Rider/Groom Award

Jeff Byrne - Rider/Groom for Dermot Weld, County Kildare 

Sonny Carey - Work Rider for Willie Mullins, County Carlow

Martin Deegan - Yard Manager/Groom at Ballydoyle, County Tipperary

Head Lad/Girl or Travelling Head Lad/Girl Award

Dick Dowling - Head Lad for Willie Mullins, County Carlow

Deirdre McCurtin - Head Girl for John Kiely, County Waterford

Deirdre Ryan - Head Girl for John Ryan, County Tipperary

Leadership Award 

Sally Carroll - Student Liaison Officer at the Irish National Stud, County Kildare

James Mahon - Head Stallion Man at Derrinstown Stud, County Kildare

Damien McGillick - Assistant Trainer for Noel Meade, County Meath

The winners of the Racecourse Award, Newcomer Award, Ancillary Services Award and Dedication to Racing Award will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 19 in the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, County Limerick. The prize for each of these awards is a trophy and €2,500.

This year, the Lifelong Learning Award has been replaced by the Newcomer Award and a trip to Dubai has been added to the prize in addition to the existing €2,500 cash prize and trophy.

The winners of the, Administration, Stud Employee, Head (or Travelling Head) Lad/Girl, Rider/Groom, Leadership and Dedication to Racing categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, the winner of which will receive an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

Chairman of the Judging Committee, Michael O'Rourke, said: "Almost 250 nominations were reviewed by the judges and the quality of the nominations reflected the interest and enthusiasm which these awards have created.

"The level of expertise demonstrated across so many disciplines shows how Ireland has achieved such an envied position in the racing world. The finalists have come through a rigorous selection process and each can be very proud. Awards night in Adare will be a fitting celebration of their achievements."