Irish team wins Aga Khan Challenge Trophy

Ireland won the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy on the final day of the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS this afternoon.

Ireland won the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy on the final day of the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS this afternoon.

France, winner of the event for the last two years, came second with Britain and the US sharing third place.

President Mary McAleese presented the trophy to the victorious riders.

Cian O'Connor (24), who will compete for Ireland at the Athens Olympics, secured the victory with a clear round in the final run.

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The result leaves the Irish in sixth place for the valuable international Samsung Super League title.

Thousands of fans roared and cheered as the team, comprised of Marion Hughes, Jessica Kurten, O'Connor and Billy Twomey, paraded the trophy around the ground accompanied by pipe bands.

The Aga Khan Trophy competition is the highlight of the Dublin Horse Show and
part of this year's international league.

The four best rider/horse combinations from eight countries around the world battle it out in the Super League elite competition which takes place at eight
venues worldwide.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue congratulated the team on their victory saying they had "done us all proud".

"I am delighted at Ireland's win ... in a nail-biting finish. Their victory provides a wonderful boost for the Irish equestrian team as they look forward to participating in the Athens Olympics, and I wish them all the very best in the Games."