Castlerea Prison Project

The Turf Club and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee are facilitating the efforts to raise funds to build stables at Castlerea Prison.

Below is a summary of the background to the project from Jonathan Irwin, Turf Club Member.

“Some 30 years ago while at the Saratoga sales, I was taken to a local open prison and shown probably the first Equine Rehabilitation unit within the US penal system. This was a wonderful initiative, already showing real progress in improving attitude of inmates and it left a hugely positive impact on me, one I have never forgotten for its simplicity, humanity and results.

Fast forward and such equine care units have been set up in other countries but not in Ireland. The results are nothing short of spectacular in terms of wellbeing of prisoners through reduced tension levels and an increased level of responsibility and respect, equine skills development and better job prospects, which in turn leads to reduced reoffender levels.

A similar project would be a real winner for the Irish Prison service. Over the years I have written to successive Ministers of Justice regarding such an initiative here, with no reaction from any Minister, until Frances Fitzgerald introduced me to the prison service last autumn, with a view to exploring the benefits and costs of such a programme and that I did.

Today, I am glad to report that we now have the green light - subject to seed funding of €100,000 - for a stable block of 10 boxes to be built within Castlerea Prison in Co. Roscommon, a project with the full blessing of The Turf Club and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, who will facilitate the administration of the fundraising requested. Now that I have retired as CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, I have more time on my hands to get such a project off the ground, with your help and generosity please.

The Castlerea Prison Horsecare concept revolves around the natural bond between the horse and the human. Not only at the emotional level but also with designated courses for potential blacksmiths, saddlers, an ability to ride and, most importantly, the care for the wellbeing of the horse. The welfare of the horses will be a fundamental skill that will be taught to all the inmates that are selected for the unit and to make sure we have the right expertise on board, we have engaged with the Irish Horse Welfare Trust who will provide suitable horses and skills to manage related courses and to advise the authorities into the future.

Specifically, the agreement I have with the management at Castlerea is that I raise €100,000 from the horse industry and social pioneers who’d like to be part of building the stable block. Annual costs of management after that will be borne by the Prison service, thus ensuring the sustainability of this project into the future. So that first €100,000 is key to getting this project off the ground.
If successful, it will be the first of its kind in Europe and, as such, shine a very positive spotlight on our social awareness for the less fortunate in society, people who’ve made bad decisions in their life, and the enlightened attitude to reform within the penal system. All inmates will be entitled to join the course in Castlerea.

If you wish to donate, please forward your donation either by cheque (payable to The Turf Club) or you may transfer your donation electronically to The Turf Club.

Cheques should be sent to:
The Turf Club
Prison Project
The Curragh
Co. Kildare

The details for electronic payments are:
Bank: Bank of Ireland
Bank account Name The Turf Club
Account number: 61 3188 13
Sort code: 90-12-63
IBAN No: IE53 BOFI 9012 6361 3188 13

All donations will be acknowledged in writing by the Turf Club.

I hope that you will share my long held enthusiasm for this venture by supporting me to get over the €100,000 line with your financial support, big or small. I am available on 087 2558451 at any time to discuss this proposal further and to answer your questions”.

Jonathan Irwin