Paul Darragh, an Irish legend, is to be honoured by the instigation of a Perpetual Trophy in his name from this year onwards.

Paul epitomised showjumping in Ireland - excellent horseman, exceptional competitor and team player and in the Australian vernacular he was an "all round good bloke" who was there for his friends, his sport and his country.

The list of achievements are long and known by most - Paul's humour, class and finesse combined with his wins and titles collected along the way in a career which spanned 35 years made him a legend in his own lifetime.

Paul made a contribution to his country and showjumping in a way that is what showjumping should be all about and he is sorely missed in the sport since his untimely death at the beginning of this year.

The Darragh Family decided to allow this Perpetual Trophy to be awarded each year, in Paul's name, for a person who has made a strong contribution to Irish showjumping and the recipient is made through a joint decision between the Darragh Family and the Showjumper's Club officials.

The first recipient goes so deservedly to Jessica Chesney-Kurten - the fiesty young lady from Cullybackey in County Antrim who has been a winner since the days of competing in both jumping ponies and ridden ponies progressing through to horses and then the senior ranks making the transition easily.

In 1992, as a 23 year old, Jessica, and Diamond Exchange won the inaugural Millstreet World Cup class when they were one of only eleven clear rounds out of thirty-nine starters. Coming out mid-way in the jump off draw Jessica took the lead from Switzerland's Philip Guerdat and held it through till the final fence was jumped claiming victory for Ireland - Francis Connors and Spring Elegance took second spot at the winners ceremony and a new generation of Irish International was launched for the world to see.

Jessica has continued to hold the Irish flag high and has been on Samsung Nations Cup and Super League Teams for Ireland, she competed on the winning Aga Khan team in 2004 and went to Athens as a member of the Irish Olympic team.

Mrs Kurten, based in the Rheinland with husband Eckhardt, has had a torrid year at the hands of some within the Irish showjumping world but it has not affected this determined woman who has achieved 6th position in the world rankings - a feat never achieved by an Irish woman and it has been some years since an Irish rider has been in the top 10 in the world.

The Paul Darragh Perpetual trophy is awarded to Jessica Kurten for her outstanding contribution to Irish showjumping and her strength and determination, combined with a fierce pride in riding for her country make her an exceptional recipient of this first awarding of what is sure to become one of the most prestigious awards made in Irish showjumping.

As Jessica was competing in Mastricht, this weekend she was unable to attend the Ball but a video link up was organised and in Jessica's thankyou she paid tribute to Paul Darragh and spoke of the time she had spent training with him in the early part of her career and thanked him for the things she had learned from him and she went on to say that the Perpetual Trophy would "ensure that the memory of one of the best Irish riders alive forever".

The announcement of Jessica being the first recipient received a roar of approval from the crowd and a standing ovation which showed how popular the decision was,