European Championship tribute

MADAM,

HAVING returned from my first European Championship as chef d’equipe for the Irish Young Rider Event Team, I have great pride in the young athletes that I was privileged to manage. I may only have had four, but the teamwork, commitment and professionalism that they showed was exemplary.

Lady Luck wasn’t a willing participant during the proceedings over the weekend, and we all need a bit of that, but the performances in all three phases are extremely encouraging for next year. Every rider worked diligently with the coaching staff of Terry Boon, Nick Turner and Gerry Flynn before and during the championships.

Thank you also to Joan Keogh and her team at Spruce Lodge for facilitating all our training at your five-star facilities.

I would like to thank Aileen in Horse Sport Ireland for her tremendous help and to my high performance committee for their support. The coaches’ knowledge and commitment to this HP programme is unequivocal, and the veterinary support given by JP King along with Heather McReynolds as physio is invaluable. The horses were immaculately turned out and cared for at all times by Kate Bleekman, Alex Jackson and Chloe Rooney and arrived at the Championships fit and well thanks to Mullins Transport.

Team Ireland sponsors are extremely generous – Gain, Berney Bros, Equiline, Charles Owen, Horseware Ireland, Dubarry and TRM Equestrian – thank you, it very much appreciated.

Finally I would like to thank the parents, without your support of this HP programme, it simply wouldn’t happen! You and your daughters have made these Europeans an extremely memorable one and we are all now very aware of what we can achieve.

Exciting times lie ahead!

Yours etc,

Debbie Byrne

Irish Young Rider Event Team Manager