An Cosantóir

| 31 SPORTS ROUND-UP FLYING HIGH A t this year's Dublin International Horse Show Comdt Derek McConnell (Tpt Gp, DFTC) represented Ireland in one of the most iconic and prestigious classes of the show - when he jumped Oakpark High Flyer in the Puissance. Owned by Mr Kieran Cahill, of Oakpark, Co Carlow, the 18 hands high giant had first shown prominence in the Puissance when jumping at Cavan International Horse Show in November 2012, where the horse finished 3rd. Dublin Horse Show, like any major championship requires qualification. There were three Puissance Qualifiers, the first in Aglish, Co Waterford, the second at Mullingar International Horse Show and the third at Omagh Horse Show, Co Tyrone. Based on your performance in these qualifiers, the RDS would accept six Irish Riders. Comdt McConnell was joint winner of two qualifiers, jumping 2.05 meters at Aglish. In the Puissance Competition at the RDS, Comdt McConnell finished 7th along with Capt Michael Kelly (Equit Sch). "I was a little disappointed that I did not get a little further in the class, as the horse had jumped bigger before. He was well clear in front and unfortunately dragged his back end a little to take it down!" Comdt McConnell told us. "After the first round, I changed my tactic a little and came inside the water enroute to the wall, as if this horse has too much time to think about the task, he will become excited and become a hassle to ride down to the fence!" Comdt McConnell explained that it was a very enjoyable experience. The commentator had the capacity crowd in a friendzy. "It was like riding into a rock concert!" Jumping on grass meant that full size studs were required to be screwed into the horse's shoes. In addition, the horse was fitted with ear plugs to help kill the sound and not distract the horse from the task at hand. "High Flyer is a H1, so it just shows the long term benefits of double hearing protection!" Comdt McConnell explained. Oakpark High Flyer Puissance Dublin International Oakpark High Flyer - Winner Puissance_Aglish Skydiving Championships by Capt Rory Esler (DFHQ) T he Irish National 4 Way Skydiving Championships took place in Clonbulloge on 10th and 11th August 2013. The two Defence Forces teams Fast Air and Rapid Fire both took awards. The competition was held at the Irish Parachute Club, which is the home club for most (if not all) of the PCM guys involved in parachuting. The DF 'first' team Fast Air took gold in the AAA category, which is the top international category. This is their fourth year in a row to take the gold in this category. The team consists of; Capt Stephen O'Sullivan (2 Bde Ord Gp), Lt Dennis Gowran (7 Inf Bn), CS Graham Nuttall (DFTC), Pte Colin Curran (3 Inf Bn) and cameraman Capt Ruarigh McDermott (Arty Sch). This year, for the first time, the DF had two teams in the competition. The DF 'second' team Rapid Air were narrowly beaten by 1 point over 7 rounds of competition skydiving to take third place in the 'Rookie' category. This category is designed for teams who are developing their skills and is an excellent progressional category. The team consists of; Capt Rory Esler (DFHQ), Capt Brian Cahill (Mil Col), Lt Gerome Donnelly (RDF), 2/Lt Kevin Farrell (RDF) and cameraman Capt Ruarigh McDermott (Arth Sch). All members of both teams have been involved in Display Parachute Jumps for the Defence Forces, most recently in Bray for the Air show in July 2013. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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