Horse Sport Ireland announces new leadership for Youth Show Jumping High Performance Programme

Denis Flannelly and Liz Brennan take the reins ahead of 2025 Nations Cup and European Championships campaign

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is pleased to announce that Denis Flannelly has been appointed Lead Consultant for the National Equestrian Federation’s Youth Show Jumping High Performance Programme, as the team prepares for the 2025 Nations Cup and European Championships season and beyond.

As part of this appointment, Flannelly has brought in Liz Brennan as Youth Athlete Liaison, ensuring that the programme remains athlete-focused, accessible, and structured to support young riders at every stage of their development.

This appointment reflects HSI’s commitment to modern coaching principles, structured athlete pathways, and long-term success on the international stage.

Ireland’s youth jumping teams have consistently delivered at the highest level, securing multiple European Championship medals and Nations Cup victories in recent years. With Flannelly leading the programme and Brennan ensuring athlete engagement, the focus will be on sustaining and enhancing this success through a progressive, high-performance approach.

A renowned Level 3 Jumping Coach, Denis Flannelly has played a pivotal role in the development of European Championship medal-winning riders. As Lead Consultant, Chef d’Équipe, and Jumping Manager, he will oversee the technical and strategic direction of the programme.

“I’m honoured to be leading the Youth Jumping programme with HSI,” Flannelly said. “Irish youth teams have built a remarkable reputation on the international stage, and we now have the opportunity to take things even further—enhancing not just our competitive results, but also the overall development and experience of our young athletes as they progress through the sport.”

As Youth Athlete Liaison, Liz Brennan will serve as a key point of contact for athletes and their families, ensuring open communication, strong mentorship, and direct support for young riders as they progress through the programme.

Brennan has a long-standing history in Irish show jumping, having previously served as Showjumping Ireland’s National Chair of Ponies and as a key member of HSI’s Pony and Young Riders High Performance Committees. She has also played a pivotal role in organising major equestrian events, bringing extensive experience in team preparation, logistical planning, and athlete support.

Her role will focus on ensuring young athletes feel supported both in and out of the competition arena, while also ensuring that the athlete voice is reflected in programme decisions.

Flannelly and Brennan will be supported by HSI’s High Performance team, with Hayley Devlin and Triona Connors as key contacts within the National Federation (NF). They will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth FEI programme operations and administrative support throughout the season.

With preparations underway for the 2025 Nations Cup and European Championships season, HSI remains committed to providing a world-class high-performance structure that allows young Irish show jumpers to thrive at the highest level.

Avalon Everett, Head of Sport, Legal and Governance of Horse Sport Ireland, added: “HSI is committed to providing a strong and structured pathway for Ireland’s youth athletes, ensuring continued success on the international stage.

“Denis Flannelly’s appointment as Lead Consultant brings proven expertise and a fresh, forward-thinking approach to the programme. His thoughtful leadership, alongside Liz Brennan’s role in athlete engagement, will create a dynamic partnership that enhances both athlete development and performance outcomes. We are excited to see their vision come to life as they guide our teams into the 2025 season and beyond.”