In a statement released yesterday, Brendan McArdle, Ulster Region selector on the Showjumping Association of Ireland has resigned all posts.

Mr McArdle said: "Due to my everincreasing workload and new commitments that have come into place in recent weeks I have decided to relinquish my position as Ulster Region selector on the Show Jumping Association of Ireland's International Affairs Committee. I am also resigning from the Ulster Region Committee of the SJAI.

"I was re-elected as a selector at the Ulster Region AGM on December 13, 2004, having already served for a period that extended over three very successful years for Irish show jumping.

However, additional personal and career developments and opportunities make it impossible for me to continue to give the level of commitment necessary to this high-profile job which is so vitally important to the sport.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify my position in relation to the recent controversy over the award by the Show Jumpers Club of the International Rider of the Year trophy to Cian O'Connor, and to put an end to speculation about my involvement in the awards decision-making process.

"Although I had helped to organise some aspects of this event over the past three years I did not make the decision to present the award for 2004.

"I look forward to continuing in my role as a show jumping commentator and to supporting the sport to the best of my abilities," he said.