Gerry Flynn to coach in Turkey

The retirement of Comdt. Gerry Flynn, announced last Monday, has come as another big blow to show jumping team manager Robert Splaine as Ireland prepares to return to the Samsung Super League Nations' Cup series this season.

The army rider's absence will be keenly felt, and Splaine has already lost one of his top team horses following the sale earlier this month of Conor Swail's best ride, Rivaal, who will now compete for Saudi Arabia.

Flynn is to take up a 42-month contract, beginning in March, as trainer at the Sebanci International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) in Istanbul, Turkey where former Army Equitation School Commanding Officer Lt Col Gerry Mullins is head of operations and former Equitation School 2nd in Command PJ McCartan is also employed.

Irishman Cameron Hanley competes the SIEC horses on the international circuit.

Flynn's army career spanned more than 20 years and he made his mark in both three-day eventing and show jumping.

His trademark do-or-die style of riding set him apart from the rest, and as an eventer he enjoyed considerable success, taking the Leading Irish Rider trophy when sixth with Lough Gur at Punchestown in in 1993 and then finishing fourth at the Irish fixture in 1994 with Meanus before competing at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague later that year.

As a show jumper he represented Ireland in 16 winning teams, and the 43-year-old, who hails from Lanesborough in Roscommon, secured nine international Grand Prix wins including the Dublin Horse Show title last August.

His departure now means that his top ride, Mo Chroi, will probably be competed by either Capt David O'Brien or Capt Shane Carey and Splaine will be hoping that the designated rider will be able to build up a good partnership with the mare as quickly as possible so that she is not lost to the Irish team.

“I'm confident they will be able to give the team the help they need this season,” said Flynn, but Splaine described Flynn's departure as “a huge loss.”