Tributes made to ‘talented young athlete’ who died after equestrian training event

HORSE Sport Ireland has extended its “deepest sympathies” to the family of a 15-year-old girl who passed away following a tragic accident at a squad training event in Greenogue on Wednesday.

Tiggy Hancock (15) tragically died from injuries sustained during an exercise event at an Equestrian Centre at Tay Lane in Greenogue on Wednesday afternoon, June 16.

Emergency services attended the scene at Greenogue (file image)

In a statement released through its website this morning, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) said that it wished to extend its deepest sympathies to Tiggy’s family.

“Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our Pony High Performance Eventing Programme”, the HSI statement read.

“A keen equestrian for many years as a member of the Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Pony Club and very successful Working Hunter Pony competitor, Tiggy only began Eventing in the autumn of 2018, making an immediate mark on the sport.

“Following a run of impressive performances in 2019, she was selected to represent Ireland at the Under 16 European Eventing Team Championships in Poland, where she and her team mates secured a team bronze medal.

“Only recently, Tiggy has impressed against senior counterparts in the CCI2* S in Millstreet with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finishing just outside the podium, seeing off seasoned athletes who have competed at European and World Level.”

The statement continued: “Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family and her passing will be mourned by all.

“The Hancock family are known throughout Ireland for their commitment to the equestrian community and those who know them will share in their grief.

“The loss of a young person is all always particularly hard to comprehend.

“This will be a difficult time for many of Tiggy’s teammates and friends in the sport.

“Horse Sport Ireland have a designated support person to assist individuals affected and would encourage them or their parents to come forward to seek support.

“HSI would ask that the family’s request for privacy at this time is respected.”

As reported on Wednesday evening, emergency services attended the scene at around 2pm on Wednesday and provided medical assistance.

Tiggy was moved to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin where she sadly passed away.

According to gardai, investigations are still ongoing and a file is currently being prepared for the Coroners Court.