Tipperary showjumper makes the GAIN Junior Eventing European squad

The winner of the Butlers Sports Achievement Award for July was Aine Connolly.

placeholder image — The winner of the Butlers Sports Achievement Award for July was Aine Connolly.

Dag Albert has named the six athletes to travel to the upcoming European Championships

Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed the GAIN Equine Nutrition Junior Eventing Squad for the 2023 European Championships in Montelibretti, Italy, from 13th – 17th September 2023 and Tipperary rider Aine Connolly has been included.

Speaking about the event the High Performance Junior Eventing Team Manager Dag Albert said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the Junior squad to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Montelibretti.

“It was a tough decision with a lot of excellent combinations to choose from. We have a strong squad, some of whom were part of last year’s pony and junior championships which will help strengthen the team with their experience, and we also have some new exciting combinations making their Championship debut.

“I'd like to thank all the parents and support teams and also Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland, Eventing Ireland and all the sponsors.”

The GAIN Equine Nutrition Junior Eventing Squad in alphabetical order is:

Julia Adams (Co Galway) – Milchem Ardeo (ISH)

Aine Connolly (Co Tipperary) – Castlequarter Rambo

Amelia McCarthy (Co Meath) – Finsceal Endeavour (ISH)

Tom Nestor (Co Kildare) – Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH)

Ted O’Leary (Co Westmeath) – Master Swatch (ISH)

Momo Sheehy (Co Cork) – TMX Herby

The non travelling reserves are:

Gearoid Bolger – Into Mischief (ISH)

Alex Connors – OLS King Aragon (ISH)

Oleana Cowan – RCA Royal Mist

Matthew Love – DSL Allegra (ISH)

BREEDING

Milchem Ardeo (ISH) – 2011 mare by Contra A (HOLST) out of Lady of the Tride (IRE) by Woodpas (USA). Breeder: Ralph Conroy. Owner: Michael Adams. Rider: Juilia Adams (IRL).

Finsceal Endeavour (ISH) – 2015 mare by Metropole (KWPN) out of Keelnacally Carnival Puiss (ISH) by Puissance (ISH). Breeder: Gerald Moylan. Owner: Zazel McCarthy. Rider: Amelia McCarthy (IRL)

Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Jack of Diamonds (SWE) out of Lucy Blue (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Claire McDonnell. Owner: David Nestor. Rider: Tom Nestor (IRL)

Master Swatch (ISH) – 2009 gelding by Watermill Swtach (HOL) out of The Lady Gregory (ISH) by Actinium (FR). Breeder: Olga Scully. Owner: Paula Stammschroer. Rider: Ted O’Leary (IRL).