Lynch to be part of Irish squad in Spain

There was good news for Irish show jumping yesterday, with Ireland team manager Robert Splaine revealing that Denis Lynch would form part of the squad for the nations cup in Spain at the end of this month.

The Tipperary rider has not ridden on an Irish team since he had his nomination withdrawn for last year’s Olympics. Asked yesterday why Denis was now selected on the team, when three weeks ago Horse Sport Ireland claimed the rider had said he was “not interested in being a member of the Irish team”, Splaine said: “Denis called me and informed me that he had reconsidered his position and he was now making himself available for the nations cup team programme. I have decided to select him on the squad for Gijon.”

Lynch’s horse was disqualified last year at the German nations cup show in Aachen, resulting in HSI and Ireland manager Robert Splaine withdrawing the rider’s nomination for the Olympics. Cian O’Connor was installed as a replacement, going on to win a bronze medal.

Lynch is Ireland’s highest rider on the World Rankings, yet he was not on the long-list for this week’s European Championships. Just three weeks ago, his brother/manager Shay said: “Denis’s record throughout the years shows he has always been a committed member of the Irish team. However, it was felt by both parties that because of the breakdown in the relationship, it would not be to the benefit of the Irish team if Denis was involved.”

Shay could not be contacted last night for comment.

At Millstreet International Horse Show yesterday, Horse Sport Ireland chairman Patrick Wall described Lynch’s inclusion on the squad as a “positive development”.

“I’m delighted to see him back in the family. We never excluded him, but obviously he was hurting over the Olympic selection.

“We need harmony in the camp, but you can’t force somebody to be a team player, especially, when others would give their right arm to ride for Ireland. Fundamentally, though, we always want to put out our best team and Denis should have a part to play.”

The squad for Spain will also feature Bertram Allen, Billy Twomey, Shane Breen and Capt Michael Kelly.