Daniels jumps to glory at European Championships

Young Galway eventer Cathal Daniels jumped a final clear round in the show jumping phase of the Junior European Eventing Championships in England on Sunday to secure the Team Gold Medal for Ireland for the second year in a row.

Daniels (17) from Callatra, Kylebrack, jumped clear on Rioghan Rua, and in doing so also clinched the Individual Silver Medal at the event, capping a memorable weekend for the teenager.

Ireland were trailing Germany after the dressage and cross country phases during the last two days, but delivered six perfect clear rounds from both team and individual riders in the showjumping to clinch the goal medal thanks to the final clear round by Daniels.

Germany were unable to match Ireland’s flawless show jumping display and fell back into silver medal position, with France beating Britain to take the bronze.

“It was all very tight at the top coming into today and all team members knew that we had to jump clear in order to take Gold. We’re all very good in the show jumping phase, with great horses, so that’s what we did,” Daniels said after the event.

Horse Sport Ireland’s chairman Pat Wall said it was a tribute to the professionalism of the Irish team to keep cool heads and clinch the team gold, and he paid particular tribute to Daniels.

“Six consecutive clear rounds from the Irish was wonderful to watch, and Cathal Daniels’ final round that earned him Individual Silver was sheer class. It is gratifying to see so much talent in our Junior ranks, for these are the senior teams and individual riders of tomorrow.

“I’d also like to congratulate the parents, owners and the very talented support staff who helped us do what we did today. We also must thank the parents, the Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland, Eventing Ireland, sponsors GAIN Horse feeds/Glanbia and all our official suppliers,” he said.