Irish Young Rider Eventing team win European Silver medal at Strzegom in Poland

The Irish Young Rider (U21) Eventing squad of Ben Connors, Godfrey Gibbons, Momo Sheehy, Oleana Cowen and Amelia McCarthy claimed the team Silver medal today (Sunday) at the FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors at Strzegom in Poland.


Ireland, managed by Dag Albert, were in fifth place after the opening Dressage phase on Friday, but shot up into the gold medal position after a brilliant performance in Saturday’s Cross Country. The Irish had just under an 8 penalty advantage over France heading into the final Show Jumping phase. They were eventually overtaken by the French team who took the gold medal on a score of 121.0. Ireland secured the silver on 123.4 while the Bronze medal went to Britain on 130.0.


On the individual standings, three Irish riders finished inside the top 10. Momo Sheehy with HHS Noble Call (ISH) were best of the Irish in 8th, just ahead of Godfrey Gibbons and Kilroe Lego Land (ISH) in 9th and Ben Connors with OLS King Aragon (ISH) in 10th.
Oleana Cowan with RCA Royal Mist finished 17th while Amelia McCarthy with Finsceal Endeavour (ISH) finished 25th.

Meanwhile the Irish Junior (U18) Eventing team finished eighth of 11 teams in their Championships at the same venue. The final jumping phase saw Ireland add 12 penalties to their Dressage and Cross Country score to finish on a final score of 132.6. France claimed the gold medal on a score of 91.2 with the silver going to Belgium on 114.2 while Spain took the bronze on 114.9.


On the individual standings, Cara Williamson was best of the Irish in 12th place aboard Powers, while Ciara O’Connor finished 20th with Cooley Rebound. Ali Fitzpatrick with Kelly finished 35th, just ahead of Gearoid Bolger and Into Mischief (ISH) in 36th, while Katie Gibbons with Milchem Free Spirit (ISH) finished 43rd.