Battling Irish effort secures third in Rome

CLEAR rounds from show jumpers Billy Twomey, Cian O’Connor and Cameron Hanley saw Ireland finish equal third yesterday in a highly competitive second leg of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup Series in Rome, Italy.

Ireland shared second place on eight faults at the halfway stage, after Hanley had opened with eight on Southwind VDL, followed by four apiece from Darragh Kenny (Obelix) and Cian O’Connor (K Club Lady), and Twomey playing his anchorman’s part well, with a clear on Tinka’s Serenade.

Hanley followed suit second time out, then Kenny added eight, before a clear from O’Connor ensured Ireland remained in contention for the runners-up spot on eight faults with just Twomey to go.