Horse Racing Ireland on the Right Track

Monday, March 13th, 2017

Orla O’ Dwyer, Regional Coordinator, BITCI reflects on Horse Racing Ireland’s journey.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has expanded its involvement. A record 16 fifth year students from the Curragh Post Primary School are taking part in the Student Mentoring Programme for the 2016 to 2018 academic years. HRI also delivers the Skills @ Work Programme with their fifth year class. Last month the students had the chance to learn more about the horse racing industry with a trip to Rangers Lodge, located on the Curragh.

Helen Seery, HRI’s Recruitment and Training Manager, commented: “We are delighted to offer our employees the opportunity to take part in such worthwhile programmes in conjunction with Business in the Community Ireland.  Our work with the local community is very important to us and we look forward to continuing our relationship with local schools into the future.“

Nessa Doyle, Principal of Curragh Post Primary School, commented: “Curragh Post Primary is delighted to work with HRI in the BITCI Skills at Work and mentoring programmes.  Perhaps the greatest benefit was that our fifth year students were present and involved in a busy corporate environment.  Such insight will stand to our students in their understanding of the world of work, and in every job application and interview they will be part of in the coming year.  HRI has a wealth of experience and we would like to thank HRI staff members whom have given so generously of their time and expertise to our students.”

2017 also marks the first year of HRI’s involvement with the Time to Read Programme.  HRI is linked with Scoil Mhuire Junior School in Newbridge and the programme sees volunteers from HRI attend the school over a 10-week period to read with second class students, with the aim of increasing the enjoyment and confidence of the students in their reading. Bryan O’ Reilly, Principal of Scoil Mhuire Junior School, said: “Our volunteer programme in Scoil Mhuire has been given a major boost by Horse Racing Ireland.  Every time a child meets with a generous and caring volunteer, that child gains confidence and reading skill capacity. Sincere thanks to HRI and BITCI for their vision, foresight and practical provision to our school.”