By John Tynan, Equestrian correspondent
The four riders that secured victory in last Friday’s Nations Cup at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show have been selected to carry Irish hopes at next week’s European Championships.
While 20-year-old Wexford native Bertram Allen rode the veteran Romanov in Dublin, it is no surprise to see the world number five named with the superb Molly Malone V.
He will be joined at the championships in Aachen, Germany, by fellow Dublin team members Greg Broderick (MHS Going Global) from Tipperary, Offaly’s Darragh Kenny (Sans Soucis Z) and Olympic bronze medalist Cian O’Connor (Good Luck).
Greg Broderick celebrates with the Aga Khan trophy after victory in the FEI Nations Cup.
Tipperary’s Denis Lynch (All Star 5) also gets the nod from Ireland manager Robert Splaine.
The championships represent the last chance for Ireland to book a place at next year’s Olympics, though Splaine told the Irish Examiner, following last Friday’s victory, that “definitely, there is the possibility of a medal.”
To book a place at next year’s Olympics, Ireland must be among the top three countries not already qualified.
The Netherlands, France, Germany, and France have secured their ticket, with defending Olympic champions Britain among those vying with Ireland for the last three places.
The championships will run from August 19-23.