THE World Team Championships kicked off in Millstreet, Co Cork, with a very colourful parade through the town of all the partaking teams. The local people came out in force to support all the competitors and the Millstreet pipe band lead the parade. The competition was officially opened by Professor Patrick Wall, chairman of Horse Sport Ireland.

Sixteen different nations took part. When the parade was over, the competitors, trainers and supporters made their way back to the Green Glens arena for a whiskey cocktail reception, compliments of Walsh’s whiskey, and were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment with traditional Irish music provided by Liam O’Connor.