TEAM IRELAND IS OFFICIAL!!!

IRELAND'S PARA EQUESTRIAN TEAM CONFIRMED FOR 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON

(28 Jun 2012 HORSE SPORT IRELAND PRESS RELEASE) HORSE Sport Ireland has confirmed that the horses and riders to represent Ireland at the Paralympic Games in London have been ratified by the Paralympic Council of Ireland.

This will be the first time Ireland has qualified an equestrian team for Paralympic Games. The selected combinations in alphabetical order are:

Eilish Byrne/Youri
James Dwyer/Orlando
Helen Kearney/Mr. Cool (ISH)
Gerry Savage/Blues Tip Top Too

Reserve
Rosemary Gaffney/Aldham Mill Dubloon

Speaking after the announcement Dara Kearney, Chef d’Equipe for Team Ireland Equestrian's Para Equestrian team, said that the riders were really looking forward to the games.

“Obviously it is very disappointing for the riders who did not make the team and it was a very close call with some riders missing out very narrowly. The team will be going to the three star competition in Hartpury in the UK next week as part of the preparation for the games which will be an ideal dry run for London” she said.

"On behalf of the whole squad I'd like to thank everyone who supported us on our journey to this milestone," she added.

The Para Equestrian dressage competition takes place in Greenwich Park London from August 30th to September 4th.

Keep up to date on all the Paralympic news on this official website!