Tipperary's Alice Wachman starred on Irish showjumping team that won European championship
Ireland proved much too strong for Europe’s best after three fantastic days of jumping
Ireland’s Junior showjumping team were crowned European champions after a stunning display at the FEI Jumping European Championships in Riesenbeck in July.
Denis Flannelly’s team of Alice Wachman, Tabitha Kyle, Paddy Reape, Jack Kent and Emily Moloney closed out the competition in style at the German venue, taking the gold medal on a final score of 6.99.
Ireland proved much too strong for Europe’s best after three fantastic days of jumping.
The team were well placed in fifth position of 22 competing nations after the first round. A dominant display on the second day saw them shoot into a clear lead and the final afternoon was all about consolidation, as the chasing pack attempted to apply pressure.
On the final day, a clear round from Alice Wachman meant that Ireland would secure the gold medal, with closest pursuers The Netherlands more than a fence behind.
Cool as ice, Wachman and Killarney were foot-perfect, delivering the all-important clear to bring home the first gold medal of the week and spark jubilant scenes.
Alice's performance has earned her an Annerville award. The awards, sponsored by Bulmers, will be presented by the Tipperary United Sports Panel to the Tipperary amateur sports stars of the year at the Panel's annual function, which will be be held at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel on Saturday night, January 10.