Macken understood to be new Irish chef d’equipe

IT is understood that Eddie Macken was appointed the chef d’equipe of the Irish show jumping team last night.

However, when asked, the chairman of the Show Jumping Association of Ireland’s International Affairs Committee would neither confirm nor deny this. Taylor Vard, speaking after a meeting of the committee, said the person chosen had yet to be ratified by the Equestrian Federation of Ireland.

Macken’s appointment was widely tipped. Robert Splaine and Tommy Wade were also vying for the post.