European show jumping success for Ted Fagan
Westmeath Examiner Community and Sports Awards
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Mark was nominated in the Young Sportsperson of the Year category for his achievements in pickleball.Image 2 of 3
Mikey Weir was nominated for Young Sportsperson of the Year, for his performance as Coláiste Mhuire captain this year, when they won the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior A Football Championship, and brought the Hogan Cup home to Mullingar.Image 3 of 3
Kieran, Mark and Geraldine Lambert. Mark was nominated in the Young Sportsperson of the Year category for his achievements in pickleball.At just 15 years old, Westmeath rider Ted Fagan achieved an incredible result at his first FEI Pony European Championships in Le Mans, France, representing Ireland in show jumping over fences up to 1.35 metres high – an exceptional height for pony competition.
Ted and his 10-year-old mare, Ballyfore Rosie, earned their place on the Irish team after a successful season. Their highlights included a Grand Prix win at Sentower, Belgium, gold with the Irish team at a Nations Cup, numerous national show jumping wins and placings, and team silver at the Nations Cup in Hagen, Germany.
At the European Championships, Ted and Rosie were outstanding. They jumped clear in the opening round on day one and were seven seconds ahead of all other competitors from 10 nations, then jumped a double clear on day two to help Ireland win team silver.
Ted then went into the individual final in first place on zero penalties, a fence ahead of everyone else. He was in pole position going into the final round, and he had just one fence down in that, enough to secure individual silver.
Ted returned to Mullingar with two European silver medals – one for Ireland and one individually – on his first European Championship appearance.
That achievement is the result of years of dedication, training and teamwork. Special thanks go to Ted’s coach Brian Cassidy, Greg Brodrick at Ballypatrick Stables, and the team at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, particularly Amy Ryan, who helps care for Rosie and keeps her in top condition.
For a 15-year-old rider to compete at European level, jumping 1.35m fences, and come home with two silver medals is an extraordinary achievement for Ted, Rosie, his family and everyone behind them.
Speaking to Westmeath Examiner sports editor Damien Maher at the event last week, Ted outlined his routine, "almost every day and riding two or three horses a day". Asked about his love for equestrian matters, Ted said: "I was born into the sport, and my dad [Robert] runs the equestrian centre, and he was a great help to me."
Ted also praised his mother, Sarah Jane, coach, Brian Cassidy, and his school, Coláiste Mhuire, for their help in his success.