IRELAND’S EILISH BYRNE has narrowly missed out on a medal in the Equestrian Individual Freestyle Test – Grade II at Greenwich Park today.
The Irishwoman secured a personal best of 75.25%, and was placed third with one rider to go, but an accomplished display from German rider Angelika Trabert (76.15) pushed Byrne into fourth.
And despite this disappointment, Team Manager Dara Kearney was full of praise for Byrne.
“I am over the moon,” he said. “Eilish performed for Ireland. She went for it and I could not ask for more. The riding was beautiful. I am so proud of them all. Before competition I asked the to go out and show the world how good you are and let your riding do the talking. That’s what they did.”
Meanwhile, Byrne explained that she at least had the compensation of performing to an extremely high level.
“I am absolutely delighted. To be fourth in the world is a magnificent feeling. I was a little nervous initially but once in the arena I didn’t really worry. I was happy and relaxed, lost rhythm a few times but nothing significant. I am not disappointed in any way to finish fourth and I couldn’t asked for anything more from Youri.”
Elsewhere today, the sailing event in which the Irish trio of John Twomey, Ian Costelloe and Anthony Hegarty are participating has been delayed, owing to a lack of wind at Weymouth and Portland.