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Tag Archives: Michael Blake

GALLERY: Hero’s welcome for Michael Blake and Aga Khan trophy

Ireland chef d’equipe Michael Blake speaks to Dan Danaher and looks back at his riding career, what he had to do to buy his first pony, setting the world bareback championship record, and guiding Ireland’s showjumpers to a string of successes   MICHAEL Blake has made history by bringing the Aga Khan trophy back to Tuamgraney following a very successful showjumping year that included qualifying for the Olympics less than seven days before the thrilling jump-off against France in the RDS. On paper, Michael knew he didn’t have the riding pedigree to become Ireland’s Showjumping Manager. However, through hard graft and precise planning, the Tuamgraney man put himself firmly in the hunt for selection. From 2012 to 2016, Michael took over the Ireland Youth Showjumping team and helped young riders to an impressive haul of medals. In 2017, the senior riders asked him to get involved so he became Development Manager and started working with Chef d’Equipe, Rodrigo Pessoa. This …

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Hero’s welcome for Michael as he Brings Aga Khan Trophy home

THE man who managed Ireland to their first Nations Cup victory in seven years at the RDS Dublin Horse Show last month was accorded a hero’s welcome as he brought the world renowned Aga Khan trophy home to Tuamgraney on Wednesday evening. Michael Blake was lauded by senior officials from the RDS and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) for the key role he played as Chef d’Équipe in leading Team Ireland to victory in the prestigious showjumping event. This coveted show jumping trophy was presented to, Michael, and his team, by President Michael D Higgins in August. It followed a nail-biting jump-off against France in front of a capacity audience at the RDS. This thrilling victory ensured the return of the Aga Khan Cup to Ireland after a seven-year gap. Michael was joined by two members of Team Ireland – Tipperary’s Max Wachman and Meath’s Cian O’Connor. Hundreds of spectators packed the East Clare Memorial Park, with many watching from outside …

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‘Homecoming’ for Aga Khan trophy in Clare village

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 …

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Clare man’s central role in Ireland’s Aga Khan glory

THE WORLD famous Aga Khan trophy could be making its way to Clare next month to mark the role of a Tuamgraney man in Team Ireland’s victory in the Nations Cup last week. The glittering prize is one of the most sought-after in international equestrian sport and was donated by Aga Khan III in 1926. Chef d’Équipe, Tuamgraney’s Michael Blake, ensured that Ireland took back the coveted cup for the first time since 2015 in after a tense, but thrilling, jump-off against France. An elated Michael, who is also celebrating early qualification for the Olympics in 2024, told The Champion the nail-biting finish was a little tighter than he would have liked. “We did take our foot off the gas at point, but when it came down to the penalty shoot-out, we showed we could put the ball in the back of the net,” he said. On returning to Clare last Monday, one of the first things Michael did was …

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