Paul Kennedy is in line for his biggest team challenge to date when Ireland take on seven opponents in Friday’s important Division 1 Nations Cup of Italy in Rome.

Nations cups dominated last week’s show jumping headlines, but the international limelight over the next few days switches to the relatively new, mixed-nationality format that is the Global Champions League (GCL), writes Mike Dunne.

Ireland pony show jumping manager Tom Slattery hailed the fighting spirit of his team after a spectacular comeback yesterday saw them lift silver at the European Championships in Millstreet, Co Cork.

Susan Fitzpatrick and Rock Dee Jay were on song at the European Pony Championships in Cork yesterday with a smooth start to the defence of her title, as Ireland grabbed a share of the lead in the team contest.

Having fallen out of contention, Billy Twomey yesterday pulled out of the World Cup final citing Tinka’s Serenade age.

OFFICIALS at Tipperary club Grangemockler have estimated that up to €17,000 was spent on preparing for yesterday’s glamour inter-county double-header, which fell foul of the weather.