Splaine officially installed as Irish team manager

ROBERT SPLAINE was yesterday officially installed as the manager to the Irish showjumping team and he said his priorities were to stay in the Samsung Nations Cup Super League and to finish in the top five of September’s World Equestrian games, thus qualifying for the Bejing Olympics.

Speaking at a presentation in the RDS to announce the Equestrian Federation of Ireland jumping team, the Cork man said: “my role is to select the teams and I have the right people to help me achieve my aims.”

These people include, selection committee chairman, Commandant John Ledingham and two advisors revealed yesterday as Armagh showjumper, James Kernan and former event rider, Tommy Brennan.

Kernan’s appointment threw up the issue of a possible conflict of interest as his sister, Shirley, owns All Shook Up ridden by Harry Marshall.

However, Kernan, agreed with Commandant Ledingham in saying that if anyone was seen to have a conflict of interest that person would be asked to step aside while the decision was made.

Splaine’s role will see him travel to all eight Samsung Super League shows, assess riders and horses and select teams before putting them for ratification to the selection committee.

Any rider who feels ignored will have the opportunity to put his or her case to an appeals committee chaired by EFI secretary general, Dan Butler and including the EFI vice chairperson (Bernie Brennan) and the commanding officer of the army equitation school (Lt. Colonel Gerry O’Gorman).

Yesterday’s presentation came against a backdrop of acrimony in the sport. Notably the EFI took sole control on international team management in January ending the involvement of it’s affiliate, the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI).

There has been much speculation at the moment as to whether Mr. Butler and EFI president, Charles Powell could produce a formula that would put the sport on a sound footing.

Crucial for many was whether Splaine would be made team manager but yesterday, with the first leg of the Super League in La Baule, France, just four weeks away, he flew in from Italy and signed his contract, which will see him in the position until the end of 2008.

Commandant Ledingham had travelled to Italy at the weekend to meet Splaine in a show of unity for the many Irish riders jumping there. Splaine, who is competing at a Tuscan show said the mood in the camp was good. They are getting on great and supporting each other. Commandant Ledingham concurred: “It is early in the season, and all the riders are curious as to the make up of teams, they all want the inside track.

“We assure them that we are confident this year will be one of success”.

The long list for La Baule was announced and it included, Shane Breen, Captain Shane Carey, Cian O’Connor, Conor Swail, Harry Marshall, Peter Charles, Edward Doyle, Marie Burke and Denis Lynch.

While the EFI had organised yesterday’s presentation, the Irish Sports Council also had strong representation, with chairman Ossie Kilkenny and chief executive John Treacy present. Also in the light of the SJAI’s recent handing of control of international affairs at all levels to the EFI, Mr. Butler said he had drawn up a list of ad hoc committees that would administrate the pony, young rider and junior squad. He would put these committees to the EFI executive for ratification tomorrow.