The squad has been chosen to represent Ireland at the FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors in Strzegom next month.
Sue Shortt has selected a typically strong squad for the championships, which take place at the Polish venue from August 20th-24th and have proven to be a happy hunting ground for Irish youth teams in recent years.
The Irish Junior Eventing team secured a silver medal in Strzegom last year, with Tom Nestor also finishing in the runner-up position individually, and hopes will be high for another strong showing.
The Irish Junior Eventing squad competing at the FEI Eventing Europan Championships for Juniors in Strzegom, in alphabetical order, is:
- Gearoid Bolger and Into Mischief (ISH), owned by Margaret Bolger
- Ali Fitzpatrick and Kelly, owned by Emma Fitzpatrick
- Maria Fouhy and Hillcrest Horizon (ISH), owned by Imelda and Ted Fouhy
- Katie Gibbons and Milchem Free Spirit (ISH), owned by Marie Dunne
- Ciara O’Connor and Cooley Rebound, owned by Cooley Farm or Ashwood Iron Lady (ISH), owned by Sharon O’Connor
- Carla Williamson and Goldman, owned by Jane Hancock or Powers (ISH), owned by Janet Williamson
Reserves (non-travelling):
- Ben Connors & Zuperlative, owned by Ben Connors, Ciara Connors, and Michelle Nelson
- Anna Nangle & Stroke of Genius (ISH), owned by Fiona Nangle
- Molly O Connor & Stillbrook Aoife (ISH), owned by Paul O’Connor
Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Youth Eventing Manager, Shortt, said: “I am delighted to announce the Junior Team for the upcoming European Championships in Strzegom.
“There is huge strength and depth in the Junior squad this year and it has been an extremely difficult decision to make. I believe that I have selected a strong team which are most suited to the conditions that we will face in Strzegom.
“It would not be possible to field a competitive European team without the dedication of the athletes’ parents, so I would like to thank them all for their time, hard work and support.
“I would also like to thank my coaches; Heike Holstein and Cormac Rafferty, our team vet JP King and our Horse Sport Ireland administrator Aileen Cartwright for their expertise and commitment to the High Performance Program.
“Also, a huge thanks to all our sponsors, your support is greatly appreciated and we are very grateful to have you on board our journey as we do our very best at the championships.”
The Irish Youth High Performance Programme is exclusively funded by Horse Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland
Bucas – official supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance programme
The Horse Sport Ireland Youth Eventing High Performance programmes are kindly sponsored by Equieire, TRM Nutrition, Berney Bros, Dubarry and PC Raceware
