Robert Splaine re-appointed as High Performance Manager

Robert Splaine has been reappointed as the High Performance Manager for the Irish Show Jumping team following a board meeting of Horse Sport Ireland last night (Tuesday).

The position of Show Jumping High Performance Manager was advertised in December 2012 and following second round interviews on Monday, Robert Splaine was recommended by the interview panel for re-appointment.

Splaine, who in 2012 led the Irish team to Aga Khan victory at Dublin for the first time in eight years and saw Ireland finish third in the world's premier show jumping league, also selected Cian O'Connor and Blue Loyd for the London Olympics, where they brought home a bronze medal – the country's first ever Olympic medal in the sport.

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Pat Wall congratulated Robert Splaine on his appointment.

“Robert demonstrated great desire for the role and he had a very clear plan for the team,” he said.

“There were other very strong candidates who were very impressive through the process. They have a lot to offer Irish show jumping and I want to thank them for applying for the position,” he said.

Speaking after his appointment Robert Splaine said:

“It is a huge honour to be appointed to this position. Great success has been achieved by the team in recent years and I was proud to play my part in bringing home the first Olympic show jumping medal to Ireland,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with Horse Sport Ireland, the riders and the owners to achieve our shared goals,” he said.