KILDARE’s Kilrainy Riding Club will represent Ireland at the World Club Tournament at the Generali Open de France in July.

The decision was confirmed by the board of directors of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) and the club will travel to the French Federation Parc for the four-day tournament which takes place from July 25th to 27th, 2018.

The Irish team includes Peter Dargan, Aisling Dargan, May Gilsenan and Claire Leahy, while the non-traveling reserves include Patricia Farrell and Gordon Bye. The chef d’equipe will be confirmed at a later date.

AIRC chairman Tony Ennis said: “The team from Kilrainy Riding Club will make magnificent ambassadors for our country at this friendly tournament in France in July.

“I wish them the very best on they embark now begin their preparations for what I hope will be an unforgettable experience for them.”

This tournament takes place every summer during the Generali Open of France at the Parc Equestre Federal, in the stunning Loire Valley, about 140kms south of Paris.

Plans are also advancing for 2018 Riding Clubs Festival. Over 80 classes will be on offer at the Festival which takes place on June 9th and 10th at Mullingar EC.

The same programme of classes in dressage, show jumping and showing will be on offer again. Competitions will run from 9am until 5-6pm depending on entries while the musical ride will take place on Saturday evening. (www.airc.ie/festival2018)