Marcus Swail to Step Down as Team Ireland Vet
Marcus Swail, Team Veterinarian for the Irish Show Jumping and Eventing teams.
HORSE Sport Ireland has confirmed that Marcus Swail will step down as Team Veterinarian for the Irish Show Jumping and Eventing teams.
Marcus has been Team Vet since 2003. He was Team Vet at three Olympic Games, including last year’s London Games, two World Equestrian Games and several European Championships, .
Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian Mc Donald said that Marcus had indicated in October that he had decided to step down due to family and work commitments.
McDonald said: “We had hoped he might reconsider but he had his mind made up. On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland I want to thank Marcus for the contribution he has made. He did an outstanding job for the Irish teams and for Horse Sport Ireland.”
Marcus Swail commented: “Niamh and I have three young children and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the role it is a huge commitment and requires being away from home a lot. It was a difficult decision to make.
“I have enjoyed working with all the riders, Team Managers Robert Splaine and Nick Turner, and Ginny Elliot before Nick.
“I want to thank all the staff at Horse Sport Ireland. A new professionalism has been brought to the sport in recent years which has already paid great dividends.”
Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed that Hugh Suffern will take over as Senior Eventing team vet while Pat Meagher will take over as Show Jumping team vet.
Hugh Suffern, who is based in Banbridge Co. Down, acted as team vet in recent years when Marcus Swail was unavailable and has been team vet at three previous Olympics.
Pat Meagher from Tipperary was team vet at last year’s Paralympics in London. He is a senior FEI veterinarian and has acted as FEI Veterinary Delegate at several international shows, including the Royal International CSIO5* show in Hickstead.
Note from Horse Sport Ireland
Category: International, News, Other
