Lynch to quit Irish team in managerial stand-off

SHOWJUMPER Denis Lynch has quit the Irish team and is considering the possibility of declaring for Germany, his long-time home.

The Tipperary rider, a stalwart of the Irish Nations Cup squad for many years, has been based in Germany for 16 years and yesterday claimed irreconcilable differences with Ireland manager Robert Splaine are behind his decision to go it alone. While he is acutely aware this may be perceived as unpatriotic, he says to go on would do a disservice to himself and his country.

“I cannot give the same consideration to the team as I have previously. The team must come first, not me, an individual, and if I cannot give the same commitment, there is no point in continuing.