Horse rider Tiggy Hancock, 15, was described as a rising star in showjumping events.

She was from outside Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, and part of a family which has a long connection with equestrian sport, said the Independent.

She was a keen equestrian for many years as a member of the Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Pony Club, and a very successful working hunter pony competitor.

"Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our pony high performance eventing programme," said Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).


It added: "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... with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finishing just outside the podium, seeing off seasoned athletes who have competed at European and world level.


Tiggy Hancock died on Wednesday afternoon, June 16, "following a tragic accident at a squad training event in Greenogue, Dublin", said HSI.

She was taken to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin, but later passed away.

It is understood that Tiggy fell from a horse at a jump, reported the Independent.