Denis Lynch to Join High Performance Youth Jumping Selection Panel for 2025 Season

Horse Sport Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of the High Performance Youth Jumping Selection Panel for the 2025 international season. The panel will be chaired by Sally Anne Tobin and comprises Denis Lynch as Technical Selector and Denis Flannelly as Team Manager and Technical Selector.

The appointment of Denis Lynch, one of Ireland’s most decorated and experienced show jumpers, represents a major milestone for Irish youth high performance sport. A regular fixture on the Longines Global Champions Tour and a veteran of multiple FEI World Equestrian Games, European Championships, and Nations Cup triumphs, Lynch brings an unparalleled level of insight into elite competition.

His involvement will offer the youth programme technical depth and world-class expertise in performance standards, preparation, and championship mindset.

“I’m pleased to contribute to the Youth High Performance programme in a technical capacity,” said Denis Lynch.

“Ireland has some of the best young show jumping talent in the world, and I want to do what I can to help support their journey to success. My role will focus on reviewing performances and providing objective, technical input to ensure that our youth athletes are prepared to meet the demands of top-level international competition.”

The establishment of the Youth Jumping Selection Panel forms part of the innovative programme re-model developed and led by Denis Flannelly, who continues to drive its evolution as both team manager and selector. His strategic focus on optimising the best expertise available, including the inclusion of elite athletes like Lynch, is a cornerstone of Horse Sport Ireland’s long-term high performance pathway. Central to the delivery of the youth programme, Flannelly oversees Ireland’s campaign at the FEI Jumping Pony European Championships, as well as the Junior and Children on Horses FEI Jumping European Championships.

The panel will be chaired by Sally Anne Tobin, a lifelong equestrian and stalwart of the Irish show jumping community. Tobin brings significant governance and leadership experience to the role, having served on the Board of Horse Sport Ireland, as well as on HSI High Performance Committees, Showjumping Ireland Board and Committees and the SJI Leinster Region executive. Her deep understanding of the sport, combined with her commitment to youth development, ensures the panel will be guided with independence, fairness, and integrity.

This strengthened panel is part of Horse Sport Ireland’s ongoing commitment to developing a high-performance culture from youth level upward creating clear pathways, fostering excellence, and supporting Irish athletes in reaching their full potential on the European and world stage.

The High Performance Youth Jumping Programme is funded by Horse Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland.