Draft:Irish Racing Writers' Association

The Irish Racing Writers' Association (IRWA) is a representative organisation for journalists reporting on the horse racing sector in Ireland. The association negotiates with media firms, as well as racing venues. The association's first chairman was Sunday People contributor, Sean Murphy. Likewise, Nellie Bell, Ireland's first female racing reporter, who hailed from a prominent Kildare racing family and a contributor to Sporting Life, was its first and long-time honorary treasurer.

The IRWA presents numerous awards to personalities involved in the racing sector. The association first collaborated with Goffs in 1965 to create an award to choose the best animal "between ten of the country's top racing performers." In 1973, the IRWA presented Capt. Spencer Freeman, co-founder of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstakes, with the 'Sportsman of the Year' Award. In 1974, the Association presented a new Perpetual Trophy, then worth IR£200, at Naas Racecourse, Co. Kildare. 'Daletia,' a champion racehorse, was presented with the association's Irish Mist Champion Chaser Award in 1980. The IRWA honoured Johnny Murtagh with the Goffs 'Racing Personality of the Year Award in 2000.