Horsing around with jumping jargon

NATIONS Cup day at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is an occasion when decorum, protocol and social graces are much observed.

It was no different yesterday as senior officials donned formal attire for a day of pageantry, excitement and colour in the Ballsbridge grounds.

President Mary McAleese and members of the diplomatic corps watched as Germany won the competition, with the Netherlands second and rank outsiders Ireland a credible third.