In response to a Showjumping Association of Ireland suspension, Tipperary rider Tommy Wade is planning to emigrate to England.
The well known County Tipperary showjumper Tommy Wade has been riding since he was 11 years old. He is rider of the legendary carthorse turned champion Dundrum.
Tommy Wade has been winning since he won his first gymkhana in 1948 and was part of Ireland's winning Aga Khan Cup team in 1963 and 1967. In showjumping Tommy Wade has twice been sportsperson of the year.
However, to the dismay of Irish showjumping fans, Tommy Wade has announced he and Dundrum are moving to the north of England. This is because of a recent decision by the Munster Region Committee of the Showjumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) to suspend Tommy Wade because of
Conduct gravely prejudicial to the well being of the Showjumping Association of Ireland.
While emigration may seem a drastic reaction, Tommy Wade believes it is the only way he will be able to continue show jumping.
I just want to be able to jump and I can’t jump here until the end of June.
Tommy Wade feels the SJAI is biased against him and disagrees he is a rebel. He has clashed with the SJAI in the past when he expressed his view that the Irish team should jump under the tricolour abroad and for the Irish National Anthem to be played. He was embarrassed when he won an international class in Rotterdam and instead of 'Amhrán na bhFiann’,
They played some jazzy tune called ‘Saint Patrick’s Day’ or something and everybody began to skit and grin.
This edition of ‘Newsbeat’ was broadcast on 1 November 1967. The reporter is Bill O’Herlihy.
