The International Affairs Committee of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) has confirmed the team which will represent the Association at the World Club Tournament Open de France Generali next month.

Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club will make the journey to the French Federation Parc for the four-day tournament which is a friendly international competition for riding clubs and schools from all over the world.

The Irish team includes Cassandra McGee, John McDaid, Michael McHugh and Patricia Warren and they will be riding hired horses at the tournament.

It’s the first time Ireland will be represented at the World Club Tournament by a club from the Association of Irish Riding Clubs.

The Chef d’Equipe has also been confirmed as Lawrence Smyth, who is a member of the board of directors of the Association and also chairman of the club.

A.I.R.C. chairman Tony Ennis said earlier today that,

it’s fantastic that we are able to field a team for this friendly tournament as it is a historic moment for the Association as we are now competing on a world stage.

 

I know the travelling team will be wonderful ambassadors for the Association and I wish them the very best on their travels. They will make new friends and long lasting memories while they represent the Association and our country.

This tournament takes place every summer during the Generali Open of France at the Parc Equestre Federal, 41600 Lamotte Beuvron, France from 20th to 22nd July 2016. Lamotte Beuvron is in the Loire Valley, about 140kms south of Paris.

Each team of 3 or 4 riders competes in two show jumping rounds and a final. The competition will be run over two days: 2 rounds and a final. The final is reserved for the five best teams after the first two rounds. Each rider has to participate with the same horse throughout the competition.