INTERNATIONAL: Ireland appeal for riders

Ireland joint managers Steve Copping and Gary Colby are still looking to increase the number of riders who are available for selection, especially with Steve having retired from racing in a year which sees the European Championships being staged in the UK.

The pair are especially hoping to see an Ireland Junior team compete in the European Nations Cup as well as the Home International.

Steve explains Ireland’s intentions: “Last year we had three junior riders make their debuts for Ireland, Ciaran Collins, Ciaran Wenn and Adam Reeve and just recently Ipswich’s Leon Mower has been confirmed as eligible to ride for Ireland also.

“Adam has now joined me in being retired from racing but the two Ciarans, Leon and all the other Ireland riders will figure in our plans for this year, subject to their availability, but we would still like to try and increase the pool of riders available for selection, especially Junior riders.

“The criteria to be eligible for Ireland is that riders need to have been born in Ireland, or their parents, or their grandparents. On the basis of this criteria we would ask all riders who think they would be eligible for Ireland to come forward.

“Junior riders need to be Under 19 in the year of competition for the Junior Home International and Under 18 in the year of competition for all other Junior International events.

“Both Gary and myself can be contacted via Facebook if applicable, or we can be e-mailed at sjccopping@aol.com or gary.colby@nch.me.uk.”