IRELAND have won the silver medal at the Agria FEI European Eventing Championships at Blenheim Palace thanks to a superb show jumping clear from Padraig McCarthy and just four faults apiece for Ian Cassells and Robbie Kearns - both of whom were senior championships team first-timers.

Germany led from start to finish and won on a final tally of 124.9 while France won the hard-fought battle for third with 167.5. Ireland's final score was 161.9 with Aoife Clark the discard score after she and Full Monty De Lacense were eliminated on what was a very testing Captain Mark Phillips designed cross-country track.