Paralympics Ireland have today officially announced the Para Equestrian team that will represent Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The four athletes will compete in Para Dressage, all four riders will compete at their first ever Paralympic Games. The four-person team and their horses representing Team Ireland will be Tamsin Addison with Fahrenheit 212, Rosemary Gaffney with Werona, Michael Murphy with Cleverboy and Kate Kerr Horan with Serafina T. The Para Dressage events will take place in the Equestrian Park, Tokyo from 26th – 29th August.
Tamsin Addison is a Grade V Para Dressage rider, based in the U.K, she will compete at her first Paralympic Games with horse Fahrenheit. Tamsin’s debut will come on the 26th of August in the individual test. Joining Tamsin on Team Ireland is Rosemary Gaffney, who is also making her Paralympic Games debut appearance, she will compete on the 26th August with horse Werona in the Grade IV class. The Clonmel woman narrowly missed out on qualification for London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Michael Murphy will compete in the Grade I class on Cleverboy at his first Paralympic Games. Most recently, Michael had a hattrick of wins at Hartpury winning in the team test, individual test, and freestyle. Michael and Cleverboy will begin their Paralympic Games from the 27th – 30th August, in both the individual and team test. The fourth rider of the Para Equestrian team is Kate Kerr Horan from Wicklow, the Grade III rider will compete on Serafina T from the 27th of August in the Equestrian Park.
Speaking about the announcement of the Para Equestrian team that will represent Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Chef de Mission, Neasa Russell said ‘We are delighted to announce the Para Equestrian team for the Paralympic Games. The four riders have shown good form in recent months. It is brilliant to see all four riders making their first appearances at a Paralympic Games. I would like to wish the athletes and support team the very best in their final preparations before they depart to Tokyo.’
Para Dressage made its Paralympic Games debut at the Atlanta 1996 Games, Joan Salmon won Ireland’s first ever Para Equestrian medal winning bronze in the Mixed Kur Canter. It was London 2012 when Team Ireland had more medal success in Para Equestrian, winning bronze in the team event, while Helen Kearney won both a silver and bronze in her individual events in London.
Team Ireland: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games; Para Equestrian
Tamsin Addison with Fahrenheit
Rosemary Gaffney with Werona
Kate Kerr Horan with Serafina T
Michael Murphy with Cleverboy
