Irish trot away with 13-medal haul

WITH north Cork riders comprising so much of the team, it was fitting that Kevin O’Connor from Kanturk should be awarded Ireland’s first medal asevents got underway at the International Equestrian Centre in Kill yesterday.

The north Cork lad, competing in the Special Olympics World Games for the first time, took the bronze medal in division three behind Dmitry Badanin, representing a strong Russian team, and his Irish team-mate, John Deevy, whocollected the silver medal at the start of what was to be a memorable day for the Irish.

At the end they would have four gold, four silver and five bronze medals after the competitions contested in glorious sunshine, although some of the most exciting battles were fought out in the cool of the magnificent indoor arena.