Young Irish show jumpers win haul of medals at European championships
Cian McMunn, centre, and Charlie Flynn on the podium in Le Mans after winning gold and bronze European Championships medals. Pictures: Trace Media
Ireland’s pony team (under 16s) have secured a silver medal, and individual members of the team secured gold and bronze at the European Jumping Championships.
Denis Flannelly’s team, consisting of Ruben Foley, Sam Widger, Cian McMunn, Charlie Flynn, and Lily Tunney, scooped up their medals in Le Mans, France, on Friday last, after a two-day event.
Finishing on a score of zero faults and level with Britain after three rounds, the result came down to a team jump-off, in which Ireland finished on four faults, with Britain jumping three clear rounds to secure gold. Belgium filled the podium on a final tally of four faults.
Horse Sport Ireland youth show jumping lead consultant Denis Flannelly was delighted with the result, saying: “From the very beginning, we have been clear here, which is an incredible achievement. To finish a championship on a zero score shows the level of rider and the level of pony we have within our ranks, and I couldn’t be any prouder…Â
"We know how difficult a team jump-off is and they were superb again, but today it just didn’t go our way. To win silver is fantastic.”Â
The Irish team also took part in the individual jumping event, securing gold and bronze medals in France.
Cian McMunn, a Sligo native, secured gold after jumping a clear round on Esperando SK in a time of 39.25, beating the competition. His competitor, Daisy Breen, settled for silver after dropping a pole halfway through her round, giving Mr McMunn his victory.
Charlie Flynn, from Tipperary, came into the final round with only four faults. He went head-to-head with Sophia Rogers for the bronze. Mr Flynn completed his round clear in a time of 38.76 seconds, with him and his pony HK Zena outpacing Ms Rogers’ time of 39.41 seconds.
The gold and bronze round out a successful week for the Irish team after securing a team silver on Friday.
Commenting on the performance, Mr Flannelly said: “This is just incredible — Cian and Charlie have jumped spectacularly well all week and when the pressure was really on they showed how much it meant to them, keeping their composure and jumping two quick, clear rounds."
“They are both fantastic young men and deserve every success — I’m so proud of them. It was a great achievement to win silver here on Friday as a team."
