Irish Show Jumping team named for 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games at Tryon, USA

With less than four weeks to go before the start of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games at Tryon, North Carolina in the USA, Irish Show Jumping team manager Rodrigo Pessoa has today (Thursday) named his four team members.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and are expected to attract 500,000 spectators over two weeks of competition, with 1,000 athletes and 1,500 horses competing from over 70 countries.

The Irish Show Jumping team, sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange, for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games is:

Meath’s Cian O’Connor with Good Luck – owned by Adena Springs & Ronnoco Jump Ltd
Offaly’s Darragh Kenny with Babalou 41 – owned by Jack Snyder
Limerick’s Paul O’Shea with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu – owned by Skara Glen Stables, Whipstick Farm, P. Hurter & P. Agnew
Cork’s Shane Sweetnam with Chaqui Z – owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC

Irish Show Jumping Team manager Rodrigo Pessoa in attendance during the WEG press launch in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Speaking after naming his team, Rodrrigo Pessoa said:

“These are the four team members that will represent Ireland at the World Equestrian Games where we will be seeking the Olympic qualification that has eluded us for many years and a medal as well. I have faith in this team and we are ready to battle with the best teams in the world.”

Pessoa will announce the fifth squad member (travelling reserve) closer to the final travel date.

The 2018 Games will take place at Tryon International Equestrian Centre in North Carolina and Ireland will send full teams to compete in Show Jumping, Eventing and Endurance, along with individual athletes in Dressage and Reining.

The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games start on September 11th with the Show Jumping competition running from September 19th to 23rd.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by The Underwriting Exchange and Devenish

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian