Para Equestrian Dressage Irish Team Placed Third at Deauville

Irelands Para Equestrian Dressage team took third place out of 11 nations at the three-star event in Deauville, France, with outstanding results in both the team and individual classes over the last two days.

The team placing so early in the year also puts Ireland in a strong position for 2012 Olympic qualification.

Dundalk-born Paralympian Eilish Byrne returned to international competition after a long break to capture second place in both team and individual championships with her horse 'Youri', while Helen Kearney won her team test and placing third in her individual class on 'Mister Cool'.

Rosemary Gaffney from Kildalton College finished seventh in her team test with 'Aldham Mill Dubloon', and placed fourth in the individual competition. Angela Lyons was eighth in the team and individual results on 'Rizaro', and Kathryn Wheelock had a fifth in the team test and an eighth in the individual with 'Westpoint First of Many'.

Team Ireland Equestrian's Para Equestrian chef d'equipe Naomi Donoghue said tonight: "'The entire team are delighted with the result especially as it is the first of our three 2012 paralympic qualifiers. We are so proud to represent ireland and grateful for the support of HSI, PEI and Paralympics Ireland'.