Ballykeeran girl claims silver and bronze

Niamh Dooley, a native of Ballykeeran and student at Our Lady"s Bower, Athlone, recently represented Ireland in France at an international show jumping event. Niamh qualified to jump for Ireland as part of the Irish equestrian team at the "Bonneau International Pony" (BIP) competition at Le Grand Parquet, Stade Equestre in Fontainebleau, located an hour south of Paris. She competed with her pony "Little Dark Warrior" against a large contingent of European riders from France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Holland and Poland. On the first day of competition, she finished in third place, just two seconds behind the winner. Day two proved even better and after leading for most of the round with an excellent time was eventually narrowly pipped into second place. These two positions of 2nd and 3rd were achieved without any faults over the two days - an excellent achievement for the young Ballykeeran native. Speaking after the event, Niamh said she would like to acknowledge the support and help she got from her parents, and from Kevin Heavin, Will Crean (coach), Thomascina O"Reilly (coach), Ian Fearon (coach and Irish manager) and Bernard Pyke. Niamh will now continue on the showjumping circuit and she took part in the qualifying rounds for the RDS, which commenced in Boswell Equestrian Centre in Wicklow last Friday. She also hopes to compete again later in the year in Great Britain.