Team Ireland Equestrian Medal Reception 2014

Team Ireland Equestrian celebrated the success of the underage medalists at Glanbia House, Kilkenny on Monday Dec 8th. GAIN Horse feeds sponsor the underage Showjumping and Eventing European Teams and Glanbia invited the medalists, their families and their coaches to a reception to acknowledge their achievements. These achievements include team Gold medals for the Junior (U18) and Young Rider (U21) eventing teams and a Team Silver medal for the Pony Showjumping Team. Michael Duffy’s gold medal as part of the European team at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing China was also acknowledged. The individual silver medal won by Cathal Daniels at the European Junior eventing championships along with the individual bronze medals won by Elizabeth Hayden in the Young rider eventing Championships and by Susan Fitzpatrick in the Pony Showjumping were also lauded.

Speaking of Team Ireland Equestrians success Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Prof. Patrick Wall said; “These young people are fantastic and with this array of talent we have to be optimistic for the future. They are  great ambassadors for Ireland and their dedication and commitment, and that of their parents and coaches, demonstrates that we  can be world beaters. I thank Glanbia for their sponsorship, an investment in these young people is an investment in the senior stars of the future.”

Henry Corbally, Vice Chairman of Glanbia said: “Glanbia and GAIN Horse Feeds are very proud sponsors of Team Ireland Equestrian underage show-jumping and eventing teams. They have had a hugely successful year and we were delighted to host this event in recognition of their achievements in 2014. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Team Ireland Equestrian competitors the very best for 2015.”

Cian O’Connor, London Olympic individual bronze medalist attended the event to celebrate the underage success of Team Ireland Equestrian, speaking of the event he said; “It’s tremendous to see the success and dedication of these young equestrians being recognised here today. Success and victories, once tasted become a craving and for most of these competitors will no doubt be a catalyst for even greater triumphs in the years ahead.”

Martin Burke, Youth Olympic Games Chef De Mission said; “It was terrific to have an athlete of Michael’s caliber on the Youth Olympic Games team.  His performances for European team, and for Ireland in the individual event, were outstanding.  I’m sure we will hear a lot more of Michael’s successes in the future and I look forward to working with him again at a senior Olympic Games.”

Pony Showjumping Team Silver

Susan Fitzpatrick riding Rock Dee Jay (Individual bronze)

Michael Pender riding Doon Laddie

Grace McHugh riding Cassandra Van Het Roelhof

Sean Monaghan riding Attyrory Rebel

Pony Showjumping Team Manager Tom Slattery

Junior Eventing Team Gold

Cathal Daniels riding Rioghan Rua (ISH) (Individual Silver)

Lucy Latta riding Cleo Ferro (ISH)

Susie Berry riding Carsonstown Athena (ISH)

Nessa Briody riding Tomboy

Junior Event Team Manager Debbie Byrne

Young Rider Eventing Team Gold

Elizabeth Hayden riding Miracle (individual bronze)

Harold Megahey riding Chuckleberry

Jodie O’Keefe rising Kachemire Le Beau

Josh Pim riding The Irish Minstrel

Young Rider Event Team Manager Sally Corscadden

Michael G Duffy represented Team Ireland at the Youth Olympic Games in China. Michael contributed to European Team Gold at this prestigious event that takes place every four years.