Geraghty’s departure is Turkish team’s gain

IRELAND’s show jumping team selector Paraic Geraghty has accepted the post of Turkish team manager, joining the growing number of his compatriots involved in the sport in the Middle East country.

Geraghty, who has acted as advisor to Ireland manager Robert Splaine since the programme came under the remit of Horse Sport Ireland three years ago, said the offer was too good to turn down.

“I will be very sorry to leave the Irish show jumping squad, but this is one of those offers that comes up once in a lifetime and I thought it was a challenge I could not turn down. I will miss working with the Irish riders... and working with Robert Splaine, who I believe has done a tremendous job with the Irish team.”

Geraghty will be joining the likes of former Irish army captain Gerry Flynn, who in October represented Turkey at their debut in the World Equestrian Games, while former Irish army show jumping legend Gerry Mullins acts as coach to the Turkish team. Former second in command at the Army Equitation School, PJ McCartan, is involved in administration.

This year, Geraghty acted as chef d’equipe on Splaine’s behalf a number of times, including during the victory in the Finnish Nations Cup and when an Irish team finished second at the prestigious Canadian Nations Cup.

The Galway man’s main task in Turkey will be to secure qualification for the 2012 Olympics.