Natalya Coyle joins Dunsany Chase anniversary celebrations

Trainer Tony Martin took time out from his Melbourne Cup preparations to launch the 2016 running of the Dunsany Cross Country Chase, the fundraising event for schools in the area, marking its 25th anniversary this year.
He was joined at his Arodstown stable in neighbouring Moynalvey by Kilmessan trainer, Matthew Smith, as well as pupils of Dunsany and Kilmessan national schools, to launch this year’s event, and announce details of a special 25th anniversary dinner.
Olympian Natalya Coyle has been confirmed as the guest speaker at this month’s anniversary dinner which takes place in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Saturday 12th November.
Veteran trainer Martin, whose mother Marie Donnelly is from Kilmessan, has taken part in the chase over the years, as has the up-and-coming Kilcarty trainer, Smith. It is one of the county’s longest running equestrian chase events, originally established as a church fundraiser in Dunsany parish in 1991.
That year, Fr Andy Doyle, CC, and the parish finance committee were joined by hunting and racing enthusiasts including Andy Lynch and the late May Lynch of the Ward Unions, the late Rosemary Swan, and the late Ann Murphy of Dunshaughlin, to set up the pre-Christmas chase in aid of the restoration of Dunsany parish church.
It was an overwhelming success and went on to become one of the best known chases in the region, continuing in aid of school and local charity funds, and attracting most of the top jockeys and riders in the country, most of whom lived in the general area.
After traversing the challenging lands of Killeen, Dunsany, Kilmessan and Tara, the crowds return to Dunsany Hall for refreshments and an auction of valuable goods. This year’s chase takes place on Sunday 11th December.
A month before that, on Saturday 12th November, the silver jubilee dinner dance will take place in Navan, where Tara modern pentathlon Olympic athlete Natalya Coyle will be the guest speaker. Horseriding is one of the five disciplines of her sport, and she will talk of her experiences in competing in two Olympic Games for her country.
The evening begins with a drinks reception at 7pm, followed by a four-course meal, and entertainment from local band Take Two. Those involved in establishing the chase 25 years ago have been invited, and it offers the chance to reminisce of events over the years, as well as fund raise for the school. Tickets at €45 are available from Kilmessan or Dunsnay schools, or from (086) 8202584 or (087) 917 4195.