SPORTS AWARDS: Coach of the Year - Debbie Byrne (equestrianism)

Debbie Byrne clinched a second successive Coach of the Year award after leading the Irish junior three-day eventing team to more success.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Feb 2014, 17:00 BST
Michael Smyth, of sponsors Wrightbus, presents the Coach of the Year award to Debbie Byrne. INBT06-218ACMichael Smyth, of sponsors Wrightbus, presents the Coach of the Year award to Debbie Byrne. INBT06-218AC
Michael Smyth, of sponsors Wrightbus, presents the Coach of the Year award to Debbie Byrne. INBT06-218AC

After the Irish team clinched a silver medal in the European Championships in 2012, last year they went one better by winning a team gold and individual silver in the championships in France.

“I went quietly confident but anything can happen - we have two athletes to worry about.

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“We went in six marks clear of second going into the final day and we won it by 23 marks.

“There was a live video feed going out on TV and the comments that were coming in from people watching at home about the professionalism of our team were fabulous and well-deserved.”

When asked about her own career progression, Debbie admitted that she would like to take her talents onto the senior international stage at some point.

“It’s something I would like to work towards but I’m finding my feet with the junior squad.

“It is an age group that I work with every day.

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“With my own squad, I am developing them for future Olympic teams and take that as a huge responsibility and I love it,” added Debbie.

Also short-listed: Ryan Connor (cycling); Colin Stewart (football).

Related topics:France