IRELAND'S Children on Horses team of Cormac Hanley, Tim McDonagh, Noelle Barry and Wesley Byrne took the European Bronze Medal at the Nations' Cup in Haras de Jardy, France this evening (Thursday), finishing on a final of just five faults.

With a total of 15 nations contesting the medals, Ireland finished the first round on a zero score along with six other teams, and added just five faults in the final round to claim third place, behind Italy, who took the Silver Medal on four faults and Great Britain, who claimed Gold with a zero score.

Team Chef d'Equipe Comdt. John Ledingham said afterwards: "It was a brilliant performance by a very talented young team, and all the hard work has paid off. There was great background work behind this medal, and I'd like to thank those who travelled with the team, including Heather Coyle and Liam Murphy, team vet William Lawlor, and sports psychologist Lizzie Burcher.

"Thanks must also go to the Army Equitation School in Dublin, who provided the children with terrific facilities, and also Triona Connors in the Horse Sport Ireland office, who helped co-ordinate so much for us."

Comdt. John Ledingham