Murphy makes long list for Irish Olympic eventing team

Ballymore native and eventing star Joseph Murphy has made the long list for a place on Team Ireland’s eventing contingent for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

The games, due to be held last summer, have instead been pencilled in for July 23 to August 8 of this year, depending on the ongoing situation brought about by the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns persist about the fate of the games, which are due to be hosted by Tokyo, but with just six months to go, the organising committee in the Japanese capital has indicated its confidence that the games will go ahead.

Preparations in Ireland have continued on that basis, and last Friday, Ballymore man Joseph announced that he and gelding Cesar V had made the long-listed Olympic squad for Team Ireland.

Murphy took to social media to thank Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland, Team Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland for their support, as well as sponsors, coaches, grooms and owners.

Joseph came to national and international prominence in 2012 when, along with fellow Westmeath man John Joe Nevin (boxing), he qualified for the London Olympics.

In London, he was one of only five competitors to post a clear cross-country jumping round on Electric Cruise, followed by two classy showjumping rounds. Although not medalling, Joseph went on to be Eventing Ireland’s leading rider for the next five years and was shortlisted for the Rio games in 2016.

With his twin brother, Ciaran, Joseph was lucky enough to meet the esteemed rider and trainer Dot Love of Charlestown Stud, who went on to train Irish Grand National winner Liberty Counsel.

The Murphy boys spent years gaining experience in hunting, eventing and racing at Charlestown. Ciaran recently took over the licence at the stud after Mrs Love retired.

Joseph is based in Co. Down with his family, where they run a professional event yard off the shores of Strangford Lough.

Westmeath will be watching in hope that Joseph, a son of Netta and Joe Murphy, Ballymore, can make the cut for Tokyo in the coming months.