THE WORLD famous Aga Khan trophy will be in Tuamgraney this Wednesday, September 14, to mark the role of local man, Michael Blake, in leading Team Ireland to victory in The Nations Cup at the RDS last month.

The prestigious trophy was presented to Chef d’Équipe, Michael, and his team, by President Michael D Higgins in August.

It followed a cliff-hanger jump-off against France in front of a capacity audience at the RDS. The win saw the return of the Aga Khan Cup to Ireland after a seven-year gap.

This Wednesday evening, Michael will be joined by some of his team members, as well as representatives of the RDS and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) for a civic ceremony, from 6 to 8pm, at The East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Tony O’Brien will officiate, and attendees are likely to include many of Clare’s Oireachtas members and local representatives.

Despite the intensive security that surrounds the transfer of the cup, which was presented to Ireland by Aga Khan III in 1926, Michael said that once he studied the protocols, he was able to arrange for it to come to Clare.

“In the end, there wasn’t too much red tape,” he said. “It’s clear from the guidelines that the cup can travel for the purposes of a civic event. We’re delighted to have the Mayor, Councillor Tony O’Brien, officiating.

“We’ll have some speeches – not too many- as well as some finger food and an opportunity for people to have their photo taken with the cup.”

The Nations Cup victory at the Dublin Horse Show marks the 24th time that Ireland has won the Aga Khan since the competition was inaugurated in 1926.

It is one of the highlights of an outstanding season for Irish horse sport which has been marked by several European and World Championship medal wins, as well as team qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris in two years’ time.