Tributes paid to jumping star Darragh

Tributes were paid today to renowned Irish showjumper Paul Darragh, who died of a suspected heart attack.

He died suddenly yesterday at his home in Co Meath.

The 51-year-old had a career that lasted more than a quarter of a century and was part of the Irish team which won the Aga Khan trophy for three consecutive years between 1977 and 1979.

In 2003, he was presented with the Showjumping Hall of Fame award in Dublin in recognition of his achievements, which included 54 Nations Cup appearances in total.

The Equestrian Federation of Ireland said his death was a huge loss to the sport of showjumping.

“He was known and respected internationally because of his achievements and his professionalism,” said president Avril Doyle.

She described him as a strong personality who insisted on high standards.

“He was very bright, had very definite opinions and was prepared to stand up and be counted,” she said.

Darragh had remained involved with the sport after his retirement from international competition.

He ran the Waterside stud farm near Ashbourne, Co Meath, and was a member of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) equestrian committee and a director of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland.

“His huge international experience was given back in so many ways in training and administration,” said Ms Doyle.

One of Darragh’s best known pupils was Princess Haya of Jordan, who rang the EFI last night to express her sympathy.

She became the first Jordanian to compete at Olympic level when she rode in the Sydney Games in 2000.

It was on one of her horses that Darragh returned to win the Nations Cup in 1997, near the end of his career.

He is survived by his wife and three children.