TWENTY-two year-old Helen Kearney claimed an individual bronze medal for Ireland at the European Para Dressage Championships in Belgium today (Saturday).

Kearney, who is from Dunlavin in Co. Wicklow, rode the Irish-bred Coolcorron Cool Diamond gelding 'Mister Cool' to third in the individual championships, with the gold and silver medals going to British riders.

A total of 77 competitors from 17 countries are represented at Moorsele in Belgium this weekend for the championships, and Kearney's medal is a first for Ireland.

Para Equestrian Dressage Chef d'Equipe Naomi Donoghue said today: "This is a tremendous day for Helen Kearney and the Irish Para Equestrian squad. We have achieved our first European medal and I firmly believe there will be many more to come."

Kearney, who suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia and only took up competitive riding in 2008, recently won the team and freestyle tests with 'Mister Cool' in Deauville, France, and finished third in the individual test. She was also a member of Ireland's second-placed team at Hartpury in England in July.

Later the Irish Para Equestrian dressage team finished seventh of a total of 16 teams who competed at Moorsele. The Irish squad at the championships was: Helen Kearney with Mister Cool (ISH); Geraldine Savage with Blues Tip Top; Breda Bernie with Ukina Van Beekdal; Eilish Byrne with Youri; Rosemary Gaffney with Aldham Mill Dubloon.

Helen Kearney