In December 2022, The Irish Student riders finished their season on an all-time high, by winning the World Champion title on New Years Eve. The team, consisting of Alannah Kelly, Michelle O’Driscoll and Peter Dillon continued Ireland’s season long success in Belgium last year, holding off Team Germany and Team France to cement Ireland as World Student Riding Champions. 

This year Team Ireland, consisting of Irish Student Riding Veterans Alannah Kelly and Peter Dillon, along with the very exciting Jill McGettigan, return to Yssingueax in France to defend their title. 

When asked what significance these competitions have to the Irish University Riding Clubs Association (IURCA), President Ronan O’Flaherty stated: 

“Trying to sum up Irish Student Riding and student riding in general in words is quite a task—it’s a unique environment where a variety of riders compete against each other on a more level playing field. While they are highly competitive there is something special where competitors generally support each other that you don’t see in any other sport.”

“What makes the student riding scene so special is how it lets riders truly showcase their raw ability in a different way from your typical horse show.

They’ve got to adapt to all sorts of horses they might not know and still compete at a high level.”

After catching up with SRNC Veterans Alannah Kelly and Peter Dillon, it was apparent that excitement and pressure go hand in hand with this year’s World Championship Final.

When asked how she was feeling about the task at hand, Kelly explained 

“I just try to make sure I’m as prepared and organized as possible, if I feel well versed and prepared for something, it helps ease off the nerves. It’s also so great having your friends as both your teammates and supporters, it adds to my confidence anyway, and we have fun which always help.”

Dillon, who is also the current Chairman of IURCA, explained the evident difference that this World Finals holds, in comparison to last year;

“Winning last year was such a great achievement and I was so lucky to be a part of the team. The event last year was really well run, and having the opportunity to ride such talented horses was amazing”.

“It’s quite intimidating this year. There’s more of an expectation than there was last year, and with that comes more pressure. But then again, there’s an experienced team this year, and we’re all focused on putting in the best performance we can, and the results will follow”

Someone who has proven herself over the last few months is Jill McGettigan. McGettigan went to her first SRNC in Sweden back in July, and immediately proved herself one to be watched. 

In her debut, she left no one doubting her ability, coming out with not only 2nd Team Showjumping, 4th Team Dressage, 2nd Team Combined, but also 1st Individual Showjumping, 3rd Individual Dressage, 1st Overall of the entire competition. 

There is no doubt that her current winning streak has increased the expectations of this already talented team. When asked how she was feeling about the championships, McGettigan humbly stated:

“I’m feeling excited about going, I can’t wait to see everyone again. I have big shoes to fill from last year, but I’ll try my best”

“Emotions wise, again I am looking forward to it. I’m hoping I can just enjoy the experience with everyone, and remember to be thankful for the opportunity”

Best of luck to team and their supporters heading to France in the next few weeks!

Thanks for reading!