Show jumper Denis Lynch has quit the Irish team after many years of dedicated and consistent performance, citing irreconcilable differences with team manager, Robert Splaine.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Lynch said, “The relationship between myself and Robert [Splaine] has broken down, but manager/athlete situations like these occur in all sports.
“I have to recognize our relationship is poor and this could definitely affect the team in the future. So I have to question my involvement. The team must come first, not me, an individual, but if I cannot give the same commitment, there is no point in continuing.”
Lynch’s decision comes just days after Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chose not enforce the break option in Splaine’s contract. He will, therefore, continue in his current position until the end of 2012. He has been team manager since 2006.
“I have spoken with Horse Sport Ireland and I don’t think we can achieve anything at the moment,” said Lynch.
A representative for HSI said Lynch repeatedly turned down requests for a face to face meeting to resolve the situation, but that their offer still stands. It was pointed out though, that it is HSI’s decision of whom to appoint manager of the Irish team, and any rider wishing to compete on the team must comply with HIS’s rules and codes of conduct.
Rumour has it that 34-year-old Lynch may seek to ride for Germany. When asked, he replied, “Why not? My wife is German and I have lived and worked here for 16 years. There have been conversations with officials from the German Federation, but nothing has been decided yet.”
Lynch did stress, however, that his first choice would be to ride for Ireland. “I have always considered it an honour and privilege to ride for my country and I would not rule out riding for Ireland again in the future,” he said. Besides, it seems an unlikely move as FEI regulations would prevent him from representing his new country in European and World Championships as well as Nations’ Cup competitions for two years, not to mention three years for the Olympics.
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