IRELAND today (Friday) continued its slow climb back from possible relegation in the Samsung Super League, with a very creditable fourth place at the prestigious Aachen Nations Cup in Germany.

The Irish team of Cian O'Connor (Waterford Crystal), Marion Hughes (Heritage Fortunus), Jessica Kurten (Quibell) and Kevin Babington (Carling King), all potential Olympians, added to points gained by the Irish Nations Cup team in Rotterdam last month, reversing the downward trend of the first three legs of the League.

Germany won the competition on eight faults, while Ireland finished on a total of 16 faults. Highlights of the Irish effort were a remarkable double clear round by Cian O'Connor and <Waterford Crystal>, and a recovery by Marion Hughes and <Heritage Fortunus> from a 12 fault first round to a clear second round.

Hughes was the discard score in the first round, but an uncharacteristic 12 faults by Kurten in the second round put her in an identical position. Kevin Babington improved upon his first round tally of two fences down to record four faults second time out.

Irish Chef d'Equipe was Col. Ned Campion and the Trainer was Eddie Macken.

Eight teams took part.

SHOW JUMPING RESULTS: CHIO5* AACHEN GERMANY 13-18 JULY 2004

SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE NATIONS CUP OF GERMANY
Friday July 16, 2004

1) GERMANY 8 faults
2) UNITED STATES 12 faults
3) FRANCE 15 faults
4) IRELAND 16 faults
Waterford Crystal; Cian O'Connor 0/0
Heritage Fortunus; Marion Hughes 12/0
Quibell; Jessica Kurten 4/12
Carling King; Kevin Babington 8/4

=5) NETHERLANDS 20 faults
=5) BELGIUM 20 faults
7) GT. BRITAIN 30 faults
8) ITALY 68 faults

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