To a standing ovation in the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea, editor of The Irish Field, Leo Powell, claimed the 2014 Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) prestigious Lancelot award.

Leo has been managing editor of The Irish Field since it was purchased by the Agricultural Trust in 2003. With a long involvement in the equine sector, Leo joined the paper having previously written a breeding column for the Irish Field and a racing column for the Farmers Journal.

At the ceremony, Leo said: “I’m absolutely honoured to receive this award. The AIRC means a lot to me as it embodies all that is good about equestrianism. The club situation provides a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and enjoy all that is good about the sport.”

Meanwhile, Earl’s Well Riding Club received the club of the year award. The Cork-based club had a very special year last year with many successes at national level at hunter trials, riding clubs festivals and horse trials championships.

Niamh Rothwell was a popular recipient of the club secretary of the year award. Through her dedication, the Tinahely Riding Club secretary has set the club on a very progressive path.

Lawrence Smyth picked up his second Lancelot Award, this time for club member of the year. The Donegal Gaeltacht member was described as a smiling Donegal gentleman.

The final award of the day went to Dan Foley for his commitment to Clonshire Riding Club for the past 21 years.