Michael Blake’s team of Michael Duffy, Trevor Breen, Shane Sweetnam and Eoin McMahon headed into the team final with less than a time fault separating the top four nations.

Germany held the lead following the first two days of jumping on a score of 9.31, Sweden were second on 9.51 and Switzerland next on 9.92. The Irish team was just outside of the top three on 10.00 with over a fence in hand ahead of Austria in fifth place.

Clear for Michael Duffy and Cinca 3

Galway’s Michael Duffy was first into the arena for Ireland, riding the 14-year-old grey mare Cinca 3. This combination had jumped two clear rounds on Wednesday and Thursday.

This excellent form continued as they again went clear to give Ireland a brilliant start.

Germany’s first line rider Marcus Ehning withdrew from competition, while the final fence fell for Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann. A clear round from Steve Guerdat got Switzerland off to a strong start.

Trevor Breen and Highland President

Trevor Breen was next in for Ireland with Highland President. The Tipperary rider and the 11-year-old gelding were unlucky to roll the final part of the combination, but the result was enough to help move Ireland up to third spot overall.

At the half way stage Ireland were in bronze medal position as Germany dropped to fourth following a fence down for Philipp Weishaupt.

Sweden moved to top spot with a clear from Wilma Hellström, while Switzerland held second though they had two fences down from Bryan Balsiger.

Four faults for Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and the Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz were unlucky to add four faults as Sweden extended their lead with a Jens Fredricson clear.

Despite the four faults from Sweetnam, Ireland actually moved into the silver medal position on a score of 14. Switzerland’s third rider, Edouard Schmitz, had three fences down, forcing them to count Balsiger’s eight faults and putting the Swiss on a team score of 17.92.

Ireland move into silver medal position

Tipperary’s Eoin McMahon and the 11-year-old grey mare Mila had one fence down, leaving Ireland on 18 faults in third place.

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs needed to jump clear to hold onto the silver medal, but eight faults from the Swiss saw Michael Blake’s Ireland side move up to second.

Sweden claimed the gold medal and European title on a team score of 9.51, with three of their four riders jumping clear. Ireland took silver with Austria third, ahead of Germany in fourth and Spain in fifth.

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In an exceptional display by the pre-competition favourites and first-ever winners of the famous trophy in 1926, they produced two double clear rounds, and six clear rounds in total, as they ended the two-round Nations Cup on a zero score.

Last year’s winners, Ireland, who had been given a 20% win chance by Equiratings this morning, finished as runners-up on 12 faults in their attempt to successfully defend their title. The home nation has a total of three clear rounds during the class, and their anchor Shane Sweetnam and James Khan Cruz did not jump as it would not have changed their overall finishing position.

The 2018 winners Mexico took the final position on the podium on 16 faults, followed by France on 20, Belgium on 21, The Netherlands on 24, Spain on 28 and Britain on a final score of 57 faults.

Round One

Ireland ended the opening round of the Longines FEI Nations Cup with 8 faults, the same score as 27-time Aga Khan Trophy winners Britain, and France, with the favourites Switzerland – given a 25% win chance by Equiratings – holding a two-fence lead on a zero score.

Irish pathfinder and one of two Aga Khan Trophy debutants, Michael Duffy and Cinca had four faults at the water as did the second-line combination of the other first-timer on the Aga Khan team Mikey Pender and HHS Calais.

Cian O’Connor, the rider with most Aga Khan starts and podium finishes in the last 10 editions, and Eve d’Ouilly, were the third Irish combination into the Main Arena. They also had four faults, this time knocking a pole in the final part of the triple combination.

Kanturk’s Shane Sweetnam and the Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz brought Michael Blake’s side back into contention with a clear round in front of a packed and nervous crowd.

Switzerland achieved three clear rounds through Steve Guerdat (Venard de Cerisy), Martin Fuchs (Leone Jei) and Edouard Schmitz (Garmin Van’T Naastveldhof), meaning their four faults score from Bryan Balsiger and Chelsea Z became their discard score.

The water caused some problems during the opening round with a total of five combinations incurring faults there. The penultimate fence, the Telecom post boxes with a Liverpool underneath, saw nine participants knock a pole.

Britain and France joined Ireland in joint-second place at the end of the first round – with the three teams on 8 faults.

Belgium and Spain were next, a fence behind, with Mexico on 16 faults and The Netherlands bringing up the rear on 20 faults.

Round Two

The Swiss took up where they had ended the first round with each of their first three combinations all going clear. Steve Guerdat and Venard De Cerisy as well as Martin Fuchs and Leone JEI achieved exceptional double clear rounds, while second-line rider Bryan Balsiger and Chelsea Z, who faulted in the first round, went better at his second attempt.

With Fuchs’ second clear the Swiss were uncatchable, meaning their final-line rider Edouard Schmitz didn’t jump.

Course builder Alan Wade later described it as “poetry in motion watching them jump clear after clear.”

Michael Duffy and Cinca got Ireland off to the best possible start in the second round, going clear in 70.96 seconds. Mikey Pender and HHS Calais matched their four-fault first round, before Cian O’Connor riding Eve D’Ouilly produced a faultless round.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz then withdrew as they were safe in the runners-up position, and unable to catch chef d’équipe Michel Sorg’s side.

Switzerland have won the Aga Khan Cup at the RDS, while Ireland finished as the runners-up with Mexico in third place. #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/5cLLC3ZUmR

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 11, 2023

“It’s very special to stand on the podium; it’s an amazing arena,” admitted Sorg. “It’s a dream of everybody to win this Aga Khan Trophy. It’s been a while.”

Statistical information kindly provided by Equiratings.

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Blake’s side will jump fifth of the eight competing nations, as Ireland aim for back-to-back wins in the Aga Khan Trophy at the RDS.

Aga Khan Trophy debutant Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 will be the Irish pathfinders.

Next into the Main Arena for the home nation will be another Aga Khan Trophy first timer in Mikey Pender and the Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais.

The experienced Cian O’Connor and Eve D’Ouilly will be next to jump for Ireland, while US-based Shane Sweetnam and the Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz will be the anchor leg.

Speaking at the team draw on Friday morning, Michael Blake said:

“I’m very confident, I have named a strong team – but there are very strong teams here.

“Michel Duffy has been on three Nations Cup teams this season with Cinca 3 and jumped five clear rounds out of six. So we will start off with him as our first rider in.

“Michael Pender has jumped in two Nations Cup and was outstanding in Rome with HHS Calais.

“We are going to put Cian in third, which some might find unusual. He’s on a new horse to him, who is less experienced, so he can go in and jump his own round without as much pressure.

“Shane is on one of the best horses in the world right now, so we’re going to let him carry the weight of the world and put him in last.”

The eight nations competing for the Aga Khan Trophy will jump in the following order:

1. Mexico
2. The Netherlands
3. Spain
4. Great Britain
5. Ireland
6. Belgium
7. France
8. Switzerland

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Stockholm Hearts field Peder Fredricson, Olivier Philippaerts, Nicola Philippaerts, Malin Baryard Johnsson, Lillie Keenan and Lily Attwood (U25) again this year.

Valkenswaard United, second in 2022’s GCL Super Cup, will have new-signing Olivier Lazarus joining John Whitaker, Marcus Ehning, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Andre Thieme and talented U25 rider Gilles Thomas.

Rome Gladiators bring in Irish duo Michael Duffy and Trevor Breen along with Jos Verlooy to join Shane Breen, Beth Underhill and Nina Mallevaey (U25).

Other changes

Shanghai Swans have signed up German Daniel Deusser to boost their squad; Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut transfers to Madrid In Motion; Dutch Champion Frank Schuttert joins Georgina Bloomberg’s New York Empire; St Tropez Pirates have a huge shake-up, signing 4 new riders Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli, Katrin Eckermann, Simon Delestre and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli; Jur Vrieling switches to Jennifer Gates’ team, Paris Panthers, while there will be a brand new team for 2023 called Riyadh Blue.

Denis Lynch will be in the New York Empire squad; Tom Wachman is with Mexico Amigos, while his brother Tom is the U25 rider with Cannes Stars; Mark McAuley is part of the Madrid In Motion squad and Jeremy Sweetnam will compete with Monaco Aces.

Jan Tops, President of the LGCT and GCL, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the exciting line-up of the 16 teams for 2023. It will take exceptional team performances to win the GCL Finals and the GCL Super Cup, with incredible prize money on offer. With fantastic U25 talent in the GCL, we continue giving young riders the opportunity to shine at our unique world-class venues.”

The individual championship of the Longines Global Champions Tour will see winners of each LGCT Grand Prix booking a place in the LGCT Super Grand Prix with a €1.25m purse.

GCL kicks off in Doha on 2 – 4 March 2023.

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According to Independent.ie, Duffy informed his club over the weekend that he had agreed to return to his former employers.

He is understood to have accepted a pay-cut to move back to Derry and will enjoy his second spell with the club on a four-year deal.

Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins is named as an important factor in the move as the winger was keen to link up with the former Dundalk backroom member.

Higgins left that role to join the Irish setup before his former club had a vacancy in April, which he filled.

Duffy has spent the last five seasons with the Louth outfit and has scored 40 goals for the club in 144 appearances.

His spell with the club has yielded two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division titles, two FAI Cups, two League Cups, two Presidents Cups and one Champions Cup.

The side also reached the Europa League group stage in 2019-20 and faced Arsenal twice before their exit without a point.

Individually, he was awarded the 2018 PFAI Player of the Year award for his role in Dundalk’s league and cup double in their last season under Stephen Kenny.

Duffy will join current teammate Patrick McEleney at the Ryan McBride Brandywell next season, having started their senior careers at the club at the beginning of the previous decade.

The winger was at the end of his contract last year and agreed to a one-year extension for the 2021 season.

Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty has promised to increase the budget after selling his engineering company for €1.68bn and he wants the club to challenge for titles in the coming years, according to Independent.ie.

With the arrival of the winger and his teammate on the horizon, as well as interest in former loanee Will Patching, who spent half the season on loan at the Brandywell, it looks as if the glory days are returning for the north-west side.

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The Michael Blake-managed team of Shane Sweetnam, Bertram Allen, Michael Duffy and Cian O’Connor produced six clear rounds.

The hosts won the $150,000 four-star Nations Cup, the main class this weekend at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam got Ireland off to a perfect clear round start with Karlin Van’t Vennehof.

A second clear followed for Wexford’s Bertram Allen with The Irish Sport Horse Castlefield Vegas. Then Galway’s Michael Duffy and Zilton SL Z produced a foot perfect round.

Another clear soon followed from Meath’s anchor Cian O’Connor with Cadiz. This left Ireland on a perfect zero score in the lead at the halfway stage.

The home team from USA was close behind in second on just a time fault with Israel third on four faults. Brazil were next best on eight faults with Canada and Britain on 12 faults.  Mexico and Colombia finished round one on 20 faults.

Second Round

In the second round, Shane Sweetnam with Karlin Van’t Vennehof kept Ireland in control by completing a double clear performance.

Bertram Allen and Castlefield Vegas (ISH) finished with four faults before Michael Duffy and Zilton SL Z also completed with a single fence down.

An excellent second round performance from the USA saw them add nothing to their first round score and even another Irish clear from Cian O’Connor as anchor rider with Cadiz, couldn’t deny the home team victory.

USA win Nations Cup

The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team of Lillie Keenan aboard Fasther and Brian Moggre with Balou De Reventon. Bliss Heers on Antidote De Mars and Jessica Springsteen riding Don Juan Van Donkhoeve were the other US combinations. The team finished on just a time fault with Ireland second on four faults.

Brazil were third on 14 with Israel fourth on 16 faults. Canada came fifth on 20, Britain completed with 24 faults for sixth place. Colombia (29 faults) were seventh while Mexico finished eighth on 33 faults.

The winning  team were presented with the Denis Quinlan Memorial Trophy.  Denis, who passed away in September 2020, was originally from Co Limerick before moving to Wellington, Florida, and was instrumental in starting Nations Cup jumping in Florida and in supporting Irish riders.

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The event will be Ireland’s first team action of the 2021 season.

Ireland have been drawn fourth to jump of the eight teams that take part and line out as follows:

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam with Karlin Van’t Vennehof.
Wexford’s in-form Bertram Allen with Castlefield Vegas (ISH).
Galway’s Michael Duffy with Zilton SL Z.
Meath’s Cian O’Connor with Cadiz.

Ireland will be up against teams from Israel, Mexico, Colombia, Britain, Brazil, Canada and the USA.

The competition gets underway at 9.30pm tonight Irish time.

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Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers advance to the FAI Cup semi-finals after their victories over Bohemians and Finn Harps tonight. 3 of the 4 FAI Cup have now been decided after Athlone Town defeated Shelbourne at the end of October. The final spot will be decided next Wednesday as Sligo take on Derry.

Shamrock Rovers vs. Finn Harps

Shamrock Rovers travelled to Ballybofey in the evening kick-off as they took on Finn Harps. The pitch wasn’t in the best shape, not helped by the conditions. This could have impacted Rovers’ possession-based playstyle, but they came away with a win in the end.

It wasn’t easy for Rovers, however, as they had to mount a comeback from 2-0 down. Barry McNamee opened the scoring in the 15^th minute with a neat finish inside the box. Stephen Folan increased Harps’ advantage just a few minutes later with an accurate header from a corner.

Finn Harps went into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead, but that wouldn’t last for long. Shamrock Rovers were awarded a penalty in the 49^th minute which was initially saved. Unfortunately for Harps, though, the referee ordered a retake of the penalty. Aaron McEneff made no mistake the second time around as he tucked past the keeper.

Incredibly, Rovers were awarded another penalty in the 53^rd minute as Graham Burke went down in the box. Aaron McEneff equalized from the spot with his 2^nd penalty goal of the night.

Rovers completed their comeback in the 70^th minute as Graham Burke slotted home from a rebound. Today’s goal was Burke’s 10^th of the season since joining Rovers on loan from Preston North End.

The match finished 3-2 after an incredible comeback from Rovers.

#WeAreRovers pic.twitter.com/7qxVex40pK

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk vs. Bohemians

Bohemians took on Dundalk from Dalymount Park in the 2^nd cup game of the day. Dundalk played Bohemians twice this season prior to this fixture but failed to pick up a win. That changed tonight as the Louth club ran out 4-1 winners.

It didn’t take Dundalk too long to open the scoring as Michael Duffy netted in just the 2^nd minute after being played through. Bohemians got their equalizer in the form of a penalty kick not long after as Andre Wright dispatched from the spot.

After an end to end few minutes, Dundalk got a penalty of their own in the 35^th minute. Michael Duffy was brought down in the box after some excellent footwork. Bohemians keeper got a hand to the resulting David McMilan penalty, but it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.

Dundalk got their 3^rd goal in the 38^th minute under controversial circumstances. Cameron Dummigan provided the assist for McMilan’s 2^nd, but the ball looked to have gone out of play before Dummigan got his cross into the box. Unfortunately for Bohs, VAR wasn’t there to help their cause and it was always an uphill battle from then on.

Michael Barker received his second yellow card of the night in the 76^th minute which effectively ended Bohs’ chance of getting a result. Dundalk begun to control possession thereafter.

Substitute Nathan Oduwa completed the rout in the 87^th minute as he tapped home from close range.

The match ended 4-1 to Dundalk. The scoreline was perhaps harsh on Bohemians as they were competitive throughout the game.

FT: Bohemians 1-4 Dundalk FC
⁣
A brilliant display at Dalymount secures our place in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup for the sixth year on the trot!!⁣
⁣
We will now face Athlone Town in Lissywoollen on Sunday, September 29th.⁣
⁣
| @sportsfile⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown pic.twitter.com/Qs7pMfUNXV

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk will now face Athlone town in the semi-final. Shamrock Rovers will play the winner of Derry City vs. Sligo Rovers.

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