Clare's Marie Burke has been named as International Showjumper of the Year.
This year Marie was the leading Irish rider at the World Equestrian Games in Germany. She was also a member of the winning Irish team at the Nations Cup in Belgium and came third in the Dublin Horse Show 120,000 grand prix.
Her stallion Chippison has been ranked as the number one Irish bred showjumper in Europe and number two in the World for 2006.
Marie was presented with the award at the Irish Showjumpers Club ball in Co. Kildare. After receiving the award, Marie thanked all the people who helped her this year and also the people who voted for her over the past month to bring her the prestigious accolade.
On the night Marie was also awarded the Paul Darragh Special Achievements Award, an award that was particularly special to Marie as the late Paul Darragh trained her in the years prior to his untimely death.
Marie said 'Paul Darragh always had faith in me and Chippison and to win this award is very special for me in Paul’s memory.'
