Offaly's Kenny called up to Ireland squad for Olympics
It's a case of the 'famous five' becoming the 'super six' in terms of Olympians from Offaly, as show jumping ace Darragh Kenny has been drafted into the Ireland squad for Paris.
Belmont native Kenny and VDL Cartello have been chosen as the combination to replace Bertram Allen and his horse Pacino Amiro, who has been unfortunately ruled out of the upcoming Olympic Games through injury.
It means Offaly is set to have six competitors in Paris as Kenny joins Tullamore trio Gráinne Walsh (boxing), Jordan Conroy and Megan Burns (both sevens rugby), Clara native Shane Lowry (golf) and Shinrone's Megan Armitage (cycling).
Kenny already has Olympic Games experience, having represented Ireland in Tokyo in 2021.
During his preparations for the Olympics, Pacino Amiro sustained a relatively minor injury which, though not serious, is enough to mean he would not be ready to compete in Paris should he have been required.
It is very unfortunate for Bertram, the horse, and his owners, particularly given the timing of the injury and its proximity to the Games, with the show jumping team qualifier taking place at the Château de Versailles on August 1.
Cian O'Connor, Daniel Coyle and Shane Sweetnam have been selected to compete for Ireland in show jumping at the Paris Olympics, with Kenny now waiting in the wings if required.
Team Ireland Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake has chosen to select Kenny, along with VDL Cartello, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, as the new "P Alternate combination" for the Olympic Games.
Blake said: “It’s obviously so disappointing for Bertram, Pacino Amiro’s owners Ballywalter Stud and everyone who looks after him at home that this has happened so close to Paris. We all saw how good his form was coming into the Games, jumping double clear in Aachen to help us win the five-star Nations Cup, and I know he would have done a brilliant job in Paris if he had been needed.
“Darragh Kenny and VDL Cartello will now come in as our P Alternate combination, and I have the utmost faith in them. Darragh has been jumping full of confidence and had a great win in Falsterbo last week. This combination also has Olympic experience and jumped a clear round in Tokyo to make the individual final. If they’re needed in Paris, I’m sure they will do a great job for the team.”
Speaking of the setback, Bertram Allen said: “I’m very disappointed – to be chosen for the Olympics is the highest honour in the sport so this is a tough one to take. While I’m obviously disappointed for myself, I’m also disappointed for 'Buddy' as he really was in such great form coming into it and we were ready to go if we were called upon.
“I really must thank everyone in my team; Buddy’s owners at Ballywalter and his groom Lovisa Munter. The only thing left to do is wish the lads all the very best in Paris – we have a brilliant team and I’ve no doubt they’ll do us all proud.”