SHOW jumper Peter Moloney (29) was named Waterford’s Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star for 2019 at a gala ball at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan last Sunday night.

Moloney’s role in helping Ireland qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at the FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona saw him win the October award and go forward in front of a judging panel for the overall star of the year.

“This is the second time I’ve been up for the award, I think I was 16 the first time I got a monthly award so it took me this long to get [an overall award],” Moloney said on accepting the awards. “I was fortunate enough this year to have a good horse and a good owner. I have a fantastic owner in Princess Haya and horse power. Without that, it is not possible.

“I got the chance at the start of the year to become a part of the team. We were under a bit of pressure in Barcelona, luckily everyone pulled together and we got it [Olympic qualification] done.”

Speaking about his upbringing and moving away from home to pursue his career, Moloney said: “We were on horses before we could walk, I don’t really know anything else! Unfortunately it’s not that easy to do it from Ireland. Most of the events are in central Europe but you can’t forget where you come from. My family have been a great help.”

As well as being part of the Irish team to qualify for Tokyo, Moloney was also the winner of two four-star Grands Prix at the beginning of the year, among other top results for Princess Haya’s Team Harmony. Moloney is trained by Ireland’s Cian O’Connor.

He now joins John Ledingham as show jumping a winner of the Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star award.