SEVENTEEN-year-old Lucy O’Connor from Kealkil, Bantry of the West Carbery Pony Club enjoyed a weekend to remember at the inaugural Pony Club Nations Cup, held at the prestigious Ballindenisk International in County Cork. Riding 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Rowanhill Luka Chan, Lucy proudly represented Ireland as part of the five-strong national squad.

The competition, hosted by the Fell family on the 50th anniversary of Ballindenisk, brought together teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Scotland, and Wales. Over three challenging days of dressage, cross-country and show jumping, Team Ireland set the standard early and never looked back.

Lucy impressed from the outset, producing a polished dressage performance that placed her fourth individually and contributed to the team’s lead. Facing her first-ever two-star international cross-country track, she rode with composure and courage, clearing the bold fences with only a few time penalties. Her consistent performances across all three phases proved pivotal as Team Ireland claimed victory over Great Britain.

Lucy was joined on the Irish team by Ben Buckley (County Limerick Pony Club), Emily Fox (Tipperary Hunt Pony Club), Maeve Flynn (Duhallow Hunt Pony Club) and Isabel Fitzgerald (United Hunt Pony Club).

For Lucy, the Nations Cup was more than just a medal — it was the thrill of representing her country on an international stage, showcasing determination, skill and partnership with her horse. Her performance has firmly established her as a young Irish rider to watch.