All eyes on Funnell's Euro hat-trick bid

THE squad charged with carrying the Irish flag in next week’s European Eventing Championships in Punchestown was named this week following a final outing in Annaharvey.

It features Cork riders Patricia Donegan (Don't Step Back) and Austin O'Connor (Horseware Fabio), Sherelle Duke (LA Temple Bar) from Portadown, Wexford's Niall Griffin (Lorgaine), Kildare's Susan Shortt (Just Beauty Queen and Armagh's Trevor Smith (Dunrath Hill). The team of four will be named after the trot-up on Wednesday, with the remaining two joining the individual ranks.

Being the host country, Ireland can also name a further six individual riders, which are: Becky George (Wee Hot Toddy), Mark Kyle (Drunken Disorderly), Michael Ryan (Old Road), Sasha Harrison (All Love Du Fenaud), Jonty Evans (Cregwarrior) and Frances Younghusband (Allora Coin).