Curtain comes down on unfortunate controversy

THE announcement of Eddie Macken as Olympic team trainer by the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) selectors this week, will, hopefully, bring the curtain down on the unfortunate controversy that had sprung up around the position.

Macken's ascension to the post came after Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Mullins, the selectors' original choice, magnanimously stepped aside, following representations by some of the 17 long-listed riders on behalf of Macken. A positive view would have it that those involved in making the decision gave due eminence to the riders' opinion. Realistically, however, the controversy tarnished what should have been a positive move, particularly in the wake of record Irish Sports Council funding for equestrianism.

The naming of show jumping legend Macken to the position was made at a deferred meeting of the selectors last Tuesday and sees him joined on the sidelines by: