HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) has appointed two show jumping coaches to its high performance eventing programme. Former international rider Mark Dorgan has joined the senior programme and will work alongside team manager Sam Griffiths, as preparations continue for August’s FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Griffiths, welcomed Dorgan to the setup, saying: “We are excited to have Mark Dorgan, a well-known Irish show jumper and trainer, as our jumping specialist coach on board.

“He will bring a wealth of experience, expertise and calmness to the eventing team.”

At youth level, HSI-accredited coach Jim Donohoe (pictured) has been appointed as show jumping trainer to the Irish youth eventing programme and will work with youth high performance manager Debbie Byrne, ahead of the approaching European Championships.

Speaking after Donohoe’s appointment, Byrne said: “Jim is a valuable asset to the team. The athletes are responding well to his training and things are going well as we move towards the championships. He brings a wealth of experience in coaching and riding up to national Grand Prix level and his depth of knowledge will help our younger athletes as they progress through the high performance pathway.”

The FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders will take place in Sweden from August 26th to 30th, while the equivalent for Ponies will take place in Le Mans, France, from July 29th to August 2nd. Millstreet will host the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships, covered elsewhere on this page, from July 23rd to 26th.