Irish medal hopes fall apart

A battling performance by three members of Ireland’s eventing team could not make up for the elimination of two of their colleagues in yesterday’s cross-country, leaving the team in eighth place overnight.

After a disappointing display in the dressage at the weekend, Ireland lay in 10th place of the 13 countries, though Camilla Speirs (Portersize Just A Jiff) and Aoife Clark (Master Crusoe) were reasonably placed in the battle for individual honours.

Hopes were high of a strong response in yesterday’s cross-country — watched by 50,000 spectators — which is traditionally a strong phase for Ireland and much was expected of pathfinder Michael Ryan. While the Limerick man was on course to deliver, the tiring Ballylynch Adventure lacked momentum approaching the penultimate fence and stumbled, throwing the Cork-based rider to the ground to end his competition.