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Some of Ireland’s best-known jockeys and trainers traded the racecourse for polo ponies at Phoenix Park recently to raise funds for a national charity. The annual Polo in the Park lunch brought together sporting faces and supporters to help underwrite vital services for children with Down syndrome and their families.
Polo with familiar faces
The event was led by former top jockey Ruby Walsh, who also provided match commentary alongside Mark Ronan. He attended with his wife, Gillian, among a crowd that included leading trainers and riders from the Irish racing scene.
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Hosting duties fell to Derville Hoey Meade, President of the All Ireland Polo Club, who helped steer an afternoon that blended sport with hospitality.
The matches and the teams
Four teams took the field across two chukkas, mixing professional jockeys with trainers in a series of friendly contests.
The first match featured the Ardbraccan Estate Jockeys — Molly Hughes Bravo, Paul Townend and Danny Mullins — joined by Derville Meade. They faced a team representing the Down Syndrome Centre that included Ross O’Sullivan, Andy Oliver, Gavin Cromwell and Alejo Tagle Aita.
The second chukka saw the Matheson Jockeys — Harry Swan, Adam Caffrey and Gavin Ryan — again partnered by Meade. Their opponents were the NFP Trainers: Jack Davison, Fozzy Stack and Ado McGuinness, with Alejo Tagle Aita completing that line-up as well.
Off-field hospitality and entertainment
Guests were treated to a Champagne reception and a meal before live entertainment. Shane O’Neill performed for attendees while Paul Duffy provided DJ sets later in the afternoon.
Supporting essential services
The lunch raised money for The Down Syndrome Centre, which delivers clinical, educational and wellbeing services for children with Down syndrome from birth to 18 years and supports their families.
- Clinical therapies
- Educational support
- Wellbeing services for children and families
The organisation depends entirely on donations, making fundraising events such as Polo in the Park important for sustaining its work.
