Macken gets post as dispute is resolved

Equestrian News: The controversy over the apparent snubbing of Eddie Macken for the post of trainer to the Irish senior show jumping team has been resolved. Macken, probably the best known name in Irish show jumping ever, was initially overlooked in favour of Lt-Col Gerry Mullins, but in a reversal of their January 30th decision, the selectors have now offered the job to Macken.

The change of heart came about in response to an offer this week from Lt-Col Mullins to make himself available to the team in "any capacity" required of him. In view of this offer, the selectors have opted to name Macken as team trainer and Mullins as chef d'equipe, although Tommy Wade continues in his role as chef of the senior team.

The original unanimous decision had been the cause of considerable dissent, with views voiced by some of the 17 riders long-listed for the Athens Olympics that Macken's talents should not be ignored and, particularly in an Olympic year, that there should be room to avail of the services of both Mullins and Macken.

The selectors had arranged to meet the elite riders next Tuesday to discuss the situation, but Mullins' offer has meant that the problem has been resolved prior to that meeting.

"I am amenable to whatever decision the selectors make that will help the team to be most successful", Mullins said yesterday. "I don't have any problem at all with it. I've ridden with Eddie for a long time and I get on well with him. I see it as being a plus for everybody, utilising the full expertise that we have available."

Macken, based in Vancouver, is flying to Ireland, arriving in Dublin on Monday afternoon for the following day's meeting, where goals for the Olympic year will be discussed.

When contacted yesterday, he was unaware that the selectors' original decision on the team trainer had been reversed. "I have a message on my phone to ring Peter Leonard (chairman of selectors), but the time difference makes it difficult to contact me", he said yesterday. "Until I'm officially notified I can't really say anything."