Fate deals another blow with O’Connor’s withdrawal
It leaves the team in an invidious position; weakened to the point of farce and facing into what is arguably the world’s most difficult nations cup.
On top of that, the controversy of recent weeks means their every move will be followed to a degree not seen by any team in recent times.
Of his withdrawal from the German fixture, with the recurrence of a splint injury to Waterford Crystal, the 25-year-old said: “This is a huge disappointment for me, as I was looking forward to jumping again for the Irish team in Aachen, where Waterford Crystal jumped two clear rounds last year. Waterford Crystal will need a fortnight’s lay-off.”
The final sentence indicates he will be back for next month’s final in Barcelona, but insiders say that is not assured.
Ironically, O’Connor says much of Ireland’s troubles in the league stem from a lack of horsepower. Now, through no fault of his own, he finds himself added to the problem. In fact, his withdrawal is the second this week, following Marie Burke’s decision to fall out due to an injury to her horse Chippison.
Unfortunately, it seems that whether O’Connor is on the team or off, controversy is not far behind. As genuine as the reason for his withdrawal is, people will pose questions about this latest chapter in Irish show jumping’s never-ending tale of woe. Thus, “independent” vet Brian Gormley examined Waterford Crystal yesterday afternoon. A member of the Show Jumping Association of Ireland national executive, he was this week co-opted onto the selectors committee. He replaced Liam Buckley, one of two selectors to resign in the wake of the Dublin Horse Show fiasco. It is difficult, therefore, with the best will in the world, to see how he could be described as independent.
Interestingly, O’Connor’s move turns the spotlight on show jumpers Jessica Kürten and Harry Marshall. Both have taken issue with the selectors and also vowed not to ride for Ireland, or alongside O’Connor.
The latter has been taken out of the equation. Now, with Ireland second last in the Samsung Super League, facing relegation and only the Aachen and Barcelona rounds remaining, many will say it is time for these riders to put principle aside for the present and answer their country’s call.
It is the riders who have most to lose.
