THE under 18 and open Irish mounted games team both travelled to the International Mounted Games Association (IMGA) World Team Championships in La Bonde, France from July 20th to 23rd recently.

The U18 team of Ali McPhillips on Moet, Amy Lucey with Bella, Adam Flynn on Raven, Jake Branagan on Magda and Lucy Hennessy with Chervil, trained by Fiona O’Connor, put in an exemplary performance in the three qualifier sessions over two days to qualify for the A final on Saturday. They finished in a very commendable fourth position behind France, England and Italy. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Belgium made up the rest of the places.

The Open team of Peter McCarthy, Owen Reavey, Jamie Reavey, Leo Kieran and Mark Devitt, trained by Jerome O’Connor, worked hard in the heat of the qualifying sessions and also reached the A final where they finished in fifth place. The host nation again took first place.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable week of Mounted Games for all involved and the true spirit of sharing and sportsmanship by exemplified by the Open team who assisted the U18s with coaching and help.