Williamson and Love secure success for Ireland

Ireland’s next generation of equestrian athletes, including Meath lads Josh Williamson and Matthew Love, made history at the FEI European Championships for ponies (under-16) in Strzegom, Poland, winning the Eventing team gold medal and an individual silver.

In Show Jumping Ireland filled all three spots on the podium in the individual final after a phenomenal display – to add to the team gold medal they won on Friday.

An historic day began with a gold medal win for the GAIN Irish Eventing team of Williamson (Ardeo Fireman), Love, Kildare’s Ben Connors (Cornafest Fred) and Kildare’s Claire O’Ryan as Ireland finished on a final score of 104.1 with Germany taking the silver medal on 107.6 while France finished in bronze on 108.9.

Connors with Cornafest Fred (CP) also claimed the individual silver medal, while Williamson with Ardeo Fireman finished just one place outside the medals in fourth.

“I’m absolutely delighted and so proud of this team. I knew the strength we had in our squad of six coming out to Strzegom," said Horse Sport Ireland Pony Eventing team manager Jane Kinsella.

"Ultimately, they pushed each other forward, supported each other and worked incredibly well as a team. We had high expectations going into these championships as they had prepared well and were ready for the challenge.

"It was a fantastic competition from day one, really exciting, and they delivered under pressure in the end."

Just a few hours later, Irish athletes were back on the podium, as an Irish whitewash saw riders in green win individual gold, silver and bronze medals in the FEI Pony Show Jumping European final.