Joseph is Olympics bound

Joseph is Olympics bound

11 July 2012

A KILLYLEAGH based event rider has been selected to represent Ireland in the forthcoming Olympic Games.

After years of hard work and dedication, Joseph Murphy will be riding Electric Cruise in the three day eventing at the invitation of Horse Sport Ireland’s Performance manager, Ginny Elliot MBE.

With a real fighting chance for a medal, Joseph joins a strong quintet of Irish riders in London — Aoife Clark, Mark Kyle, Camilla Spiers, and Michael Ryan — when the competition begins on July 27.

Originally from Mullingar, County Westmeath, Joseph is based with partner Jill and her family at the Strangford View Mews cottages in Killyleagh, where he also runs his own professional event yard.

From what he describes as a “non-horsey” background, Joseph only started riding at 14 years of age.

Electric Cruise, affectionately known as Sparky, was difficult to manage at first, but has since earned Joseph numerous national wins and several top 10 places at international competition, including impressive rounds at the prestigious Badminton Horse trials and the European Championships last year in Germany, finishing best of the Irish at both high profile competitions.

“I know I have had consistent performances since the Badminton Horse Trials last year,” said Joseph. “But this year in particular there was strong competition and you are only as good as your last performance, so after our final trial in Barbury Castle in England on Sunday, Monday (when he was waiting for the selection call) was the longest day of my life.”

Joseph has extended thanks to his whole team for their help so far, including owners Noel Good and Annette O’Callaghan, and fiancée Jill who helped secure the purchase of Electric Cruise after solid performances last year meant possibly losing the sought after horse to other international riders.

As one of Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance squad members Joseph receives training from international coaches Ferdi Eilberg and Ian Fearon, as well as his own trainer Pammy Hutton.

“It is a tough sport financially and without all my owners and sponsors I would not have achieved this life long dream,” he said. “Selection was the main hurdle, and now I can really focus on my preparation for the games.”

For further information on Joseph Murphy and updates on his bid for Olympic glory visit www.josephhmurphyeventing.com