Irish Nations Cup squad announced

THE five-man squad to represent Ireland in the nations cup at next month’s Dublin Horse Show was announced yesterday.

The team is: Captain Shane Carey (River Foyle, Cashla Bay and Killossery), Commandant Gerry Flynn (Mo Chroí), Conor Swail (Rivaal and Nepomuk), Cian O'Connor (Irish Independent Echo Beach, Conahy Clover and Complete, along with Casper for the puissance) and German-based Mayoman Cameron Hanley (SIEC Concept and Royal Star).

The show takes place on August 8-12, with the nations cup on Friday, August 10. Ireland last won the competition in 2004.

Team manager Robert Splaine will pick a four-man team from the above on the day prior to the competition.

Ireland currently lead the second division FEI Nations Cup Series and are seeking promotion, but Dublin Horse Show is part of the first division Samsung Super League.

Splaine has said those riders biding to lift the Aga Khan trophy will not play a part in the European Championships the following week.