To say that their timescale for preparations was tight is a serious understatement - the Duggans were only informed that their bid to host the prestigious competition was successful last November. Since then, the family, along with a veritable army of workers, have been toiling to create a brand new cross-country course in addition to sprucing up their already impressive existing show jumping facilities at the Green Glens arena.

Of course, Green Glens is well used to dealing with crowds, welcoming over 50,000 visitors to the centre in August every year for their five-day show. But the Duggans are particularly determined to impress the added international guests that the European Championships will bring. Competitors and their entourages from up to 20 nations will arrive in Cork between July 29th and August 2nd.