A LARGELY rookie Irish team swept all before them at the Finnish Nations Cup in Ypaja this afternoon (Sunday) to claim the trophy on an aggregate score of just five faults over two rounds.

Limerick-born Joan Greene and Tim O'Shea's mare 'Biscaya d'Eversem', making their Nations' Cup debut for Ireland, delivered a sparkling double clear to set the tone for the day, while another first-timer, Alexander Butler with Harold McGahern's Irish-bred gelding 'Will Wimble', recorded just one time fault over the two rounds.

Tholm Keane and Ronan Tynan's stallion 'Warrenstown You 2' were also making their first appearance at this level, and faulted just once in the first round, recovering to produce a zero score second time out. Edward Little and 'Kalvinretto' had one fence down in the first round and did not jump in the second.

Ireland, under Chef d'Equipe Paraic Geraghty, finished three points ahead of runners-up Belgium in the nine-nation three star contest.

Paddy O'Donnell was fifth man at Ypaja with 'Harristown Princess'.

The last victory by Ireland in the Finnish Nations Cup was ten years ago at Helsinki, when the team of Cameron Hanley, Capt. Gerry Flynn, Cian O'Connor and Capt. Shane Carey took the trophy.

VIDEO OF FINNISH NATIONS' CUP SECOND ROUND NOW AVAILABLE HERE

Breeding:
Will Wimble (ISH) – 2000 grey gelding by Touchdown (ISH) out of The Woolsack (ISH). Owner/Bred by Harold McGahern, Rincoola, Granard, Co. Longford. Rider: Alexander Butler (IRL)
Warrenstown You 2 (ISH) – 1998 bay stallion by Narcos II (SF) out of Dilettante (AES), by Daz. Bred by Harron Eakin Farms, Ringfort Stud, 171 Clay Road, Derryboy, Crossgar, Co, Down. Owner: Ronan Tynan. Rider: Tholm Keane (IRL)
 

The victorious Irish team at Ypaja