Ireland wins Austrian Nations Cup

A jubilant Chef d'Equipe Tommy Brennan announced Ireland's triumph in the Austrian Nations' Cup in Linz this afternoon when the team of Conor Swail, Commandant Gerry Flynn, Ryan Crumley and Shane Breen proved unstoppable in both rounds, finishing on 12 faults, with Italy the nearest challengers on 24 faults.

"It was a hard course, a tough track, but the lads jumped superbly," said Brennan afterwards.

"You only have to look at the scoreboard to see it. We were the only team with two double clear rounds. I am delighted with the result."

Ireland led from the first round, with Conor Swail on 'Rivaal' and Commdt Gerry Flynn with 'Mo Chroi' both delivering clear rounds, while Shane Breen had a single fence down.

Ryan Crumley dropped two poles with 'Baltimore', and did not go forward into the second round, where Swail and Flynn repeated their faultless performances.

Breen and 'World Cruise' accumulated eight faults second time out.

Ireland were not so fortunate in today's other Nations Cup, in Copenhagen, Denmark, where 12 faults kept them out of the cut for the

second round entirely.

Jessica Kurten and 'Jipey Dark' had an uncharacteristic elimination, while Cameron Hanley had two fences down with 'SIEC Concept'.

Cian O'Connor and Nations Cup debutant 'Complete' had a single mistake, while Capt Shane Carey and 'River Foyle' - making their first appearance at this level - jumped clear.

But it was not enough to qualify for the second round in the large 16-nation field.