Talbot inspires Irish to third

A DOUBLE clear from Niall Talbot proved pivotal yesterday as Ireland finished third in the nations cup in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The 37-year-old opening round with the 14-year-old chestnut stallion Tequi d’I CH helped put Ireland in second place at the half-way stage.

Francis Connors had opened with a disappointing 16 faults on Merlin’s Magic, but Neal Fearon got the effort with a four faults on Teulada, as anchorman Shane Breen picked up a single time fault on Little Ear.

Things unravelled somewhat on the return for Fearon and Breen with rounds of eight and nine, as Connors remained on the sidelines. However, Talbot’s clear ensured a two-round total of 22, with the Netherlands moving into the runner-up position on 20 faults. The home side ran out winners on 12 faults.

Nations Cup action moves to Madrid today, where Ireland team manager Robert Splaine will watch Marion Hughes (Heritage Transmission), Cian O’Connor (Rancorrado) Capt David O’Brien (Mo Chroí), and Cameron Hanley (SIEC Concept).

Capt Shane Carey on Killossery won a speed class at La Courneuve, France.