THE Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) has learned with great

sadness of the death of Paul Darragh.

Paul, who was a non-executive director of the EFI, became one of the

sport of show jumping's most enduring legends after a career that

spanned 35 years.

Paul, born in Killiney, Co. Dublin, was a precocious talent, making his

initial mark on the international stage with individual European

silver, and team bronze and gold medals in the Junior ranks, beginning

in 1969.

Paul was selected to make his Nations Cup debut for Ireland in 1972, at

the age of 19, and went on to represent his country at Nations Cup

level on 53 further occasions, including the triple Aga Khan-winning

teams of 1977, 1978, and 1979. He was most recently on the Irish

Nations Cup team at Modena, Italy, in June of 2000, where he jumped a

double clear and helped Ireland secure the trophy.

Winner of numerous international Grands Prix, Derbies, and Puissance

competitions, Paul Darragh's name ranked alongside that of Eddie Macken

in the annals of Irish show jumping.

Today (Tuesday) EFI President Avril Doyle said:<< It was a great shock

to learn of Paul's untimely death. He will be remembered as one of this

country's , for his talent, commitment and

professionalism, and his achievements on both the national and

international stages stand as his testimony.

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sympathy to his wife Jane, daughters Linda and Amy, his son Andrew, his

father Austin, and his extended family. >>