Ireland staged a dramatic rally in the show jumping phase of the Junior European Eventing Championships in England last Sunday to secure the team gold medal for the second year in a row. Galway’s 17-year-old Cathal Daniels, whose final clear round clinched the team medal, also picked up the individual silver medal.

Defending champions Ireland, who were trailing Germany after the dressage and cross-country phases during the last two days, came into the show jumping arena at Bishop Burton and delivered six perfect clear rounds from both team and individual riders.

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.

Cathal Daniels said afterwards: “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.”

Horse Sport Ireland’s chairman Pat Wall said: “Six consecutive clear rounds from the Irish was wonderful to watch, and Cathal Daniels’s 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.”