John Gerard Fitzgerald (Trainer) - Random Stable Inspections 23rd & 24th July 2014 and a re-inspecti

The Licensing Committee Peter N. Reynolds (in the Chair), Mrs. Caroline Corballis and Noel McCaffrey reconvened on the 9th December 2014 to consider the report from a further stable inspection carried out by Turf Club Officials' Michael O'Donoghue and Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S on 6th October. The Committee also studied photographs of all the facilities as used by the licence holder.

Evidence was heard from Michael O'Donoghue, Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S and John Gerard Fitzgerald.

Michael O'Donoghue stated that all irregularities had been addressed with good improvements noted. He referred to the tidy condition of the premises, the clearance of ragwort from the lands, the improved condition of the paddocks, the quantity of bedding, the removal of the polo ponies from the premises, the productions of invoices from the attending vet and other suppliers and the deletion of a former stable employee from the Turf Club records. He advised that the removal of the manure heap should be prioritised. He also made a presentation of photographic evidence.
Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S stated that she was satisfied with the condition of the horses presented and commented that the 4-y-o gelding by Alhaarth had left these premises since the initial inspection. She referred to the vaccinations of all horses now being in order but noted that the hay presented should be analysed and the feed supplied by a local agency should be discontinued or at least segregated from the feed of established suppliers.

Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, representing John Gerard Fitzgerald, trainer, stated that his client was satisfied that the report was very accurate and fair.

John Gerard Fitzgerald stated that he had the hay analysed as suggested by Ms O'Connor and admitted that it was found to be unsuitable and had since been replaced. He also accepted her advice to dispense with the locally purchased mix. He explained that he had made the improvements with a little help and had sought professional advice on the management of his lands.

Having considered the evidence the Licensing Committee expressed a view that having initially had a concern that the licence holder had horses in his establishment that were receiving an unacceptable standard of care, they were satisfied that following a second stable inspection, that the inspectors were of the opinion that the standards were now acceptable and consequently did not find John Gerard Fitzgerald in breach of any of the rules. They found him to be most helpful and cooperative but were of the opinion that he had put the Turf Club to considerable expense and therefore requested that he make a contribution of €700 towards costs. Furthermore, they confirmed the continuation of his licence to train but informed him that his establishment will be subject to further random stable inspections.

John Gerard Fitzgerald was represented at both hearings by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.

For further information, please contact:
Seamus Gibson, Secretary to the Licensing Committee, Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.
Tel; 045-445600
Date; 7th January, 2015