IRELAND’a young riders are considered as some of the best competitors on the international circuit and this year it was recognised as three riders - Jack Dodd, Eoin McMahon and Michael Duffy - were among those selected by an international panel for the Young Riders Academy Team 2016.

The selection panel, consisting of Otto Becker, Dirk Demeersman, Emile Hendrix and the sports manager Sven Holmberg, evaluated all candidates’ profiles, attitude, capabilities and motivation, together with competition results.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Irish had much to celebrate this year as the under 21 show jumping team was crowned European champions on home soil in Millstreet. Michael G. Duffy, Matt Garrigan, Gavin Harley and Max O’Reilly Hyland finished the two-round contest on a total of just five faults.

Ireland tied for the lead with Belgium on a zero score at the halfway stage. In the second round Duffy recorded just one time fault, while Garrigan lowered a single fence. Ireland’s last rider, Gavin Harley with Understone Van de Kapel, delivered a clear round to seal the gold medal. Gavin Harley, Michael G. Duffy and Jenny Rankin finished fifth, ninth and 11th respectively in the individual final. Michael Pender was best of the Irish in the Junior final, finishing 12th.

WELLINGTON NATIONS CUP

Wellington proved to be another memorial occasion for the Irish with two teams finishing on the podium. The Young Rider (under 21) team of Jenny Rankin (Colorland’s Cheynne), Cormac Hanley (Twan), Paraic Kenny (Pepperpot) and Noelly Barry (Venturo 9) finished on a score of 15 faults to take third.

Ireland’s Junior team (under 18) added to the success with another third-place finish under the guidance of team manager John Ledingham. Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan finished with just one time fault in the first round with Mullaghdrin Rado and produced a foot-perfect clear second time out.

Philip Carey (Sterling Un Prince), Jennifer Kuehnle (Larineta) and Conor McMahon (Casinjo Ex Z) all performed brilliantly to help Ireland take their place on the podium.