Remembering Katelyn at Cavan Equestrian Centre

Whether you are a horse lover or just looking for a day out, then make your way to Cavan Equestrian Centre this Sunday.
Clarkes’ show jumping arena will hold their annual Christmas Pony Championships on Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22. Not only will it include a visit by Santa but there is also a very special event on Sunday.
For the second year running, the winner of the 30cm Class will receive the Katelyn Reilly Perpetual Cup. The cup honours a five-year-old girl from west Cavan who lost her battle with Leukaemia.
“She was horse crazy. She was diagnosed with Leukaemia when she was three months old. She was down as the miracle baby, but unfortunately it came back,” Tracie Greenan says of her daughter’s battle.
“We lost her in June 2017. We decided on this fundraiser because this is what she loved. When she was receiving treatment, we asked her what she wanted when she got home; to go to Disneyland or something like that? She said she wanted to jump in Clarkes,” Tracie said of Katelyn’s passion.
The funds raised will go to Cavan Paediatric Ward, Laura Lynn Foundation and Crumlin Children’s Hospital: “They are the three groups of people that helped us in out journey. They were absolutely amazing,” Katelyn’s mother said.
“We raised €5,400 last year. We are aiming for between €7,000 and €7,500 this year. We will do the best we can. We hope it will get bigger, it is just our way of remembering Katelyn and for very good causes.
“Normally there would be about 20 entrants into the 30cm class, last year there were 68. There were also hundreds of people who just came along. There was a raffle of spot prizes and an auction of equestrian products and services,” Tracie explained.
Many people have been involved in making the fundraiser possible: “My son, Dylan Reilly, is a wonder. He goes around selling tickets on the day. He has already done a little fundraiser in his school, St Mogue’s. They raised nearly €300. He is 13 and an absolute superstar. He misses her terribly, I can’t even begin to tell you how much.”
Tracie thanked a number of people for their support: “They are Patrice Kelly-Greenan, my sister and the chairperson of the fundraising committee. Then there’s my mum - she raised €500 last year in car boot sales. Sylvia Byers and Johanna Cole also have helped with fundraisers.”
The Katelyn Reilly Perpetual Cup will be awarded to the winner of the 30cm Class on Sunday. There will also be face painting, raffle and a host of entertainment on the day.