Hickstead 2009

Kilkenny College show jumping teams have done well at Hickstead in England over the past ten years. Four years ago, Kilkenny won three of the four titles in one afternoon, the fourth title eluded was the senior individual event. That wait ended on 5th August when final year student Luke Cummins competed against more than 200 riders to gain the trophy for the best individual rider in the championship. In the final jump-off of 7 riders, Luke was first to go against the clock and went clear in 39.82 seconds which none of the other riders could better.

In the team championship competition 60 teams from Britain and Ireland took part. Kilkenny College finished in joint third place, after an exciting jump-off which saw the Kilkenny team of Luke Cummins, Heather Heffernan and Jeremy Cairns on 12 faults.

They were the only Irish team fortunate enough to make it through to the second round after a testing morning over a very complex course. Of the ten teams who made it into the jump-off, Cowfold School from Wales were worthy winners and former winners Stonar school from Wiltshire were second place in the team competition this year, followed by Kilkenny College in third place. Seven of the 68 teams were from three Irish schools . Kilkenny College’s other team consisted of Kara Cummins and Jordan Cummins (sisters of Luke), and Carol Ann Molloy who was making her Hickstead debut. Congratulations to Chef d’Equipe Mr Paul Cuddihy, the riders and their parents on their outstanding success.

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