Recipients Named For Gerry Dilger Scholarship

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation is delighted to announce the two recipients of its 2026 Irish National Stud scholarships for Irish citizens. These awards include full tuition at the famed Kildare stud farm for their Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course that has been educating young people in bloodstock since 1971. Celbridge, County Kildare native Niamh Carr studied Animal and Equine Science at University College Dublin and has obtained on hand experience at the historically significant Owenstown Stud in Maynooth working with mares and foals and sales yearling preparation. Niamh also worked at Coolmore Stud and gained a college placement at Ballydoyle Stables. Upon receiving this scholarship Niamh commented, "I'm so excited to have been accepted into the Irish National Stud course and for the doors it will open in my career. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can and building lasting friendships along the way, which is all made possible by the generosity of the Gerry Dilger Foundation, I couldn't be more grateful." Our other recipient is Bobby Ring who hails from Adare, County Limerick. Bobby, while studying engineering at the Technological University of the Shannon, found the time from an early age to indulge in his passion for horses. He has worked with sport horses at the local Coolballyshan Stud managing daily care and training for up to eighty horses. Bobby also spent time at Paul and Marie McCartan's renowned Ballyphilip Stud in County Limerick, gaining experience of breeding and sales preparation. Bobby stated, "I'm very excited about this opportunity and I'm keen to continue developing my skills, learning from leading professionals and building valuable connections within the industry."