Finding room in the stable at Christmas

Coloured bunting and flags were flying outside the building while, inside, the stable doors were bedecked with silver bells and bows.

There was a palpable air of excitement as Fettercairn Youth Horse Project in Tallaght, Dublin officially opened the stable doors for the first time, yesterday afternoon.

Founder member and chairman John Phelan said the project began in 1995 in response to the proposed Control of Horses Act (1996).

"I got the kids with horses, and their parents, together and we fenced off the area the project is now on . . . we were effectively squatting . . . we showed we could look after the horses responsibly.

"Now we have this marvellous state-of-the-art building and we are putting training and education courses in place."

The new stables are located on a seven-acre area of previously unused land in Fettercairn. The land was provided by South Dublin County Council.

The Department of Agriculture provided grant aid of £500,000 to South Dublin County Council towards the capital costs. Support and funding have also come from a wide variety of sources.

The aim is to provide enclosed and controlled grazing and stabling for 20 horses. The Department of Agriculture, the South Dublin County Council, the RDS and the International League for the Protection of Horses have endorsed the project as a prototype for other communities.

There are 38 club members aged between eight and 18 years. They own 18 of the horses with two belonging to the club.

Karen Rice (18) got involved five years ago when she bought two horses - Thunder, who cost £130, and Robin, who cost £150. She still owns Thunder while she has donated Robin to the club.

The new centre is "brilliant" she says. Rice and Colette Needham (20) both work full-time with the project and they will sit their British Horse Club assistant instructorship exams early next year.

While much has been achieved, project development co-ordinator Lesley Anderson said her wish-list includes ground for young horses and foals to graze, and for older horses to have a holiday.

The list of dignitaries attending the opening included the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Walter Empey, the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Eamonn Walsh (both patrons of the project) and the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Noel Davern.

Councillor Stanley Laing performed the opening ceremony, with the four-legged celebrity Papillon, winner of the English Grand National, maintaining a close watch on proceedings.