Ireland confirm equestrian teams for Paris Games

Ireland confirmed their equestrian lineup for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, with teams set to compete in show-jumping, eventing and the individual dressage.

The competition will take place on the grounds of the Versailles Palace.

The eventing team is first in action, with Austin O'Connor, Sarah Ennis and Susie Berry going in the dressage on 27 July. The following day they compete in the cross country, and the competition rounds out on the 29 July with jumping.

Abigail Lyle has been selected in the individual dressage, on 30/31 July.

The show-jumping team of Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Cian O’Connor will be in action from 1 to 6 August. They've enjoyed significant success this year, most recently producing a superb performance to win the five-star Aachen Nations Cup.

O’Connor - an Olympic medallist at London 2012- is heading for his fourth Olympic Games.

"I’m delighted to have been selected as part of team Ireland for the upcoming Paris Olympics," he said..

"It’s a huge honour to be heading into my fourth Olympic Games.

"The Irish show-jumping team is on the crest of a wave currently and only last week we won the prestigious Aachen Nation’s Cup event in Germany. Like in any sport, a winning team breeds confidence and from that momentum follows. So hopefully all horses and riders stay healthy, and we can deliver our best performance together in Paris."

It brings to 99 the official number of athletes who have so far been selected to represent Team Ireland in Paris.

TEAM IRELAND EQUESTRIAN TEAM

Showjumping

Shane Sweetnam (riding James Kann Cruz)
Daniel Coyle (riding Legacy)
Cian O’Connor (riding Maurice)
Bertram Allen (riding Pacino Amiro)

Eventing

Austin O’Connor (riding Colorado Blue)
Sarah Ennis (riding Action