HSI and showjumping manager Pessoa part ways
The six-time Olympian didn’t hang up his boots after taking the Irish job in 2017, and has declared his intention to compete for Brazil at next year’s Olympic Games. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) yesterday announced the departure of showjumping team manager Rodrigo Pessoa, the Brazilian who helped secure Ireland's team ticket to Tokyo 2020. The six-time Olympian didn't hang up his boots after taking the Irish job in 2017, and has declared his intention to compete for Brazil at next year's Olympic Games.
He made it clear in recent weeks that he hoped to balance both roles. But Chairman Joe Reynolds said in a statement yesterday evening that "from an Irish perspective, his decision to seek a position on the Brazilian team, which will compete against Team Ireland in Tokyo, makes it impossible for him to continue…"
Chairman of HSI's Senior High Performance Jumping Committee Gerry Mullins said: "Rodrigo has played an historic part in the management of the team, was an integral part in the success of the team, and has been a valued and respected colleague during his term. We are all incredibly grateful to him."
Pessoa's contract was linked to that of his wingman Michael Blake. The popular Clare horseman, a nephew of legendary Irish writer Edna O'Brien, looks to be a strong contender when the replacement process gets under way next month.
In his own statement yesterday, Pessoa said he had a feeling of fulfilment having led to the Irish team to European gold in 2017 and the longed-for Olympic qualification which was achieved with a superb victory at the Nations Cup Final in September.
