Fifteen-year-old Lily Tunney has been selected to represent Ireland at the FEI Jumping World Cup in Lyon after a string of medal successes over the summer months. 

The Mount Lourdes student racked up individual and team medals in youth events across Europe, and has been rewarded for her performances as one of two Irish riders selected for the French based youth event at the end of October.

Lily recorded two notable successes recently, winning the National title with her pony Fireman at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, and also becoming the first-ever rider to defend their title at the Hagan Grand Prix in Germany.

“I think it was a very good year. My biggest success was probably winning in the main ring in Dublin and winning Hagan Grand Prix,” said Lily, who admitted she had to beat a high quality field to take the 148 Championship title at the RDS.

“It was a decent track and there were a lot of other good combinations in it. I was first to go and had to set the standard, and it worked out in the end. I wasn’t too sure how it would go. I trusted my pony but there were two other gold medallists in it, so I knew that they had a good chance as well.”

Lily started her summer representing Ireland on the Irish Pony Team at the European Championships in Belgium.

She was one of only four combinations from all nations to jump a double clear as the Irish team brought back the bronze medal.

“The Europeans was a big ask and there was a bit of pressure on it because it was for a team,” she admitted.

“It was hard to get the bronze. There was a really high standard and they were all good riders and ponies. I hope to get gold next time!”

Lily has also recently returned from helping Ireland secure a silver medal at the final round of the Youth Nations Final, enough to give them the overall league title.

The pony that delivered that medal success, Correlli Clover, will also be Lily’s horse for the upcoming World Cup event.

“It will be a really good experience for me and the pony,” she said.

“It is a different atmosphere because it is indoor and there will be some new combinations. Hopefully I will go in and qualify for the final, and then if all goes well I hope to qualify for the World Cup final.”