A SUPERB performance at Barcelona in Spain this afternoon (Sunday) earned the Irish team of Cameron Hanley, Denis Lynch, Shane Breen and Billy Twomey the Bronze medal of global team show jumping in the Nations' Cup Final.

Collecting 200,000 euro in prize money for their third place, the Irish quartet finished on 12 faults, just one fence off winners France, who had an eight fault total for the Gold medal prize of 500,000 euro, with silver medallists Brazil one time fault behind on nine penalties for 300,000 euro in prize money.

Afterwards Team Ireland's show jumping manager Robert Splaine said: "This was a truly fantastic day for Irish show jumping. Thirty-nine nations from all over world entered this Furusiyya league and 18 qualified for the final here in Barcelona.

"For Ireland to be on the podium at world championship level is a remarkable achievement, and I'd like to thank the owners, who made it possible, and the riders here today, who did a marvellous job in securing the Bronze medal. I'd also like to say a particular word of thanks to all the riders and all the owners who during the year helped us qualify for the Barcelona final.

"Nations Cup team jumping is very much about our country, but today there was also an incredible amount of prize money put up by the Furusiyya organisers, and the boys get to take home a substantial cheque, which is not always the case when they compete in team show jumping. This was a top class show in all respects and worthy of a top global championship."

Ireland's scores were:
Cameron Hanley/Antello Z 5 faults
Denis Lynch/All Star 4 faults
Shane Breen/Balloon 4 faults
Billy Twomey/Tinka's Serenade 4 faults.

Eighteen qualifying nations took part in the inaugural Furusiyya global Nations' Cup Final at the Real Club de Polo stadium in Barcelona this weekend, with Ireland qualifying on Friday for a spot in today's final round.