Qualifying for the Olympics is an achievement in itself, but the Irish showjumping team did it in style in Barcelona by winning the Nations Cup final today.
Impressive rounds from Paul O'Shea, Cian O'Connor and Darragh Kenny made up for Peter Moloney's four-point ride as Ireland claimed a remarkable win in Spain.
It went right down to the wire with the Irish side just edging out the defending champions, Belgium, who finished second. Sweden finished third, just pipping Italy and France onto the podium.
As well as achieving qualification for next summer's Olympic Games, today's final was worth €1.25 million. The result now means Ireland have secured a team place at the quadrennial event for the first time since Athens in 2004.
The team, managed by Rodrigo Pessoa, consisted of:
Peter Moloney (Waterford) with Chianti’s Champion – owned by Team Harmony
Paul O’Shea (Limerick) with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu – owned by Machu Picchu Partners LLC
Darragh Kenny (Offaly) with Balou du Reventon – owned by Ann Thompson
Cian O’Connor (Meath with PSG Final – owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd
Up they go to pick up the trophy! 🏆
🙌🏆🇮🇪🙌🏆🇮🇪
@TeamIRLEq #FEINationsCup #BeProud pic.twitter.com/hSBbLJ2iaX— The FEI (@FEI_Global) October 6, 2019
Whaaaaaat!!!! @Cian_O_Connor jumps clear confirming @TeamIRLEq’s spot @Tokyo2020 & piling all the pressure on @equibel for the @LonginesEq #FEINationsCup title!!!
Ooooooh my this is good 🤩#BeProud pic.twitter.com/uqqjRwqn54— The FEI (@FEI_Global) October 6, 2019
DARRAGH KENNY JUMPS CLEAR!!! 👏🎉
Just one time pen means @TeamIRLEq stay at the top of the leaderboard. Best score 1, worst score 5 - they’re up there for @Tokyo2020 & the @LonginesEq #FEINationsCup title 😬😬#BeProud pic.twitter.com/zP41DDzZQ0— The FEI (@FEI_Global) October 6, 2019
But Paul o’Shea is straight back in it with a beaut of a clear for @TeamIRLEq!!
Oooooooh this is gonna be good 😬🤩#FEINationsCup #BeProud pic.twitter.com/SwgLpepWip— The FEI (@FEI_Global) October 6, 2019
