The Army Equitation School has carried the flag for Ireland and the Irish horse to every corner of the globe since its foundation in 1926. Through the extraordinary achievements of the School in the early years the new State gained valuable publicity and prestige and the names O'Dwyer, Lewis, Corry and Tubridy, among others, became synonymous with showjumping success for Ireland on the World Stage. In later years the names Ringrose, Kiely, Campion, McMahon, Power, Mullins and Ledingham became household words wherever the sport of showjumping was mentioned. Legendary partnerships of horse and rider which spring to mind are Loch an Easpaig (Col. Bill Ringrose); Garrai Eoin (Col. Ned Campion); Rockbarton (Lt. Col. Gerry Mullins) and Kilbaha (Comdt. John Ledingham) to name but a few. Much credit for the success of the School must be given to the selfless support and dedication shown by the Other Ranks personnel who, over the history of the School, have shown themselves to be of the highest professional standard. Since the first trips abroad in 1927 to Lucerne and London, Army Teams have competed with success all over the world apart from a break from 1939 - 1945 during the Second World War.

 The Army Equitation School has provided Chef d'Equipes for the Irish Showjumping and Three Day Eventing Teams since its inception in 1926. The School set out from modest beginnings on a mission to promote the Irish horse abroad and this mission has been achieved a thousandfold by providing a unique showcase for Irish horses. Down through the years the Army Equitation School has provided Irish breeders with the opportunity to see their produce compete and win on both the national and international stage.

 The Army Equitation School has represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European Championship levels. The positive influences that the School now provides are many. At national level the Equitation School shows support for and provides popular contact with local communities by the attendance of it's horses and riders at over 50 national showjumping events annually. It provides a positive view of the Defence Forces both at national and international level. The School has established a great tradition of excellence in equitation and continues to support national initiatives by being to the forefront of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland's profile of activities.

 I would like at this point to also mention the re-activation of the Equitation School's participation in Eventing. Lt. Lee Murphy is now taking on the mantle previously worn with distinction by such riders as Lt. Col. Ronnie McMahon and the late Captain Dave Foster.

 The School provides a focus for Ireland and all things Irish while competing successfully for Ireland abroad. It's horses and riders continue to be a constant constituent of the National Team effort as evidenced by their contribution to the winning of four Nation's Cups for Ireland in the year 2000 as part of the record breaking Irish Samsung League winning effort. This years successes add to that auspicious record and I would like to mention in particular the Nations Cup victories at Falsterbo, Sweden earlier in the season and more recently at Washington and Toronto. These victories were achieved under Chef d'Equipe Lt. Col. Gerry Mullins with Capt. Gerry Flynn as a member of each winning team. In addition, Lt. David O'Brien was a member of the winning team at Falsterbo. These victories, coupled with many Grand Prix and other prestigious successes, puts a positive focus on Ireland and continues the proud tradition established by the early riders of the School.

 The School has been, and continues to be, a focus and source of pride to expatriate men and women and Irish Societies worldwide, while retaining the enduring admiration and affection of Irish people at home. It has helped in the development of young riders in Ireland through assistance with training and active participation in various equestrian organisations such as the Showjumping Association of Ireland (SJAI), The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), the International Equestrian Federation (EFI), The Irish Horse Trials Society (IHTS) and many others. Officers of the School have given generously of their time and expertise to these bodies as well as to organisations such as Riding for the Disabled. I understand that Col. Ned Campion and Lt. Col. Ronnie McMahon were two of the founding members of the latter body.

 On the occasion of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of its establishment I believe that the Army Equitation School has contributed, and continues to contribute, greatly to the promotion of the Irish horse as well as the promotion of Ireland as a country which produces among the finest of the species. As Minister for Defence I am committed to supporting this unique national institution and look forward to its continued success on the world stage.

 I would like to pay a warm tribute to all the officers and other ranks past, and present, of the Army Equitation School and to thank them for their dedication and commitment which has earned the School its great reputation over such a long period of time. I wish the Officer Commanding, Lt. Colonel Gerry Mullins, the riding officers and the staff of the School continued success in their excellent work of preserving and perpetuating a remarkable showjumping tradition which they, in turn, will proudly pass on as a legacy to future generations.