JAMES Kernan was yesterday (Friday) announced as the chef d’equipe for the children, junior and young rider show jumping teams.

The Olympic show jumper was named the interim chef d’equipe of the underage teams in March 2017 after the departure of John Ledingham, and has now agreed to take the role of a full-time basis.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of chef d’equipe of the Irish children, junior and young rider show jumping teams. Last year as interim chef, we had a lot of positive learnings,” Kernan said.

“It will be an exciting year with some of the European gold medal winning pony riders moving up in category to junior (U18). The children (U14) category also has a lot of potential and we will be working hard to retain horse and rider combinations for the coming season. We also have a very talented and committed group of young riders (U21).”

Kernan was part of the famous Irish team that won the Aga Khan trophy three years in-a-row from 1977 to 1979 at the RDS in Dublin.

Kernan was the youngest team member in 1977, aged just 19.