Kerry and Kelly Taggart both claimed show jumping gold medals for Ireland last Saturday, Kerry triumphing at the European Championships while sister Kelly took the top spot on the podium in Cavan.

The contest in Cavan pitted the Ireland team against the other home nations, and Kelly helped defeat England, Scotland and Wales, while Kerry rode the winning clear round for her country against Europe's elite at the prestigious European Championships in Portugal.

The European Championships had been dominated in recent years by the Great Britain team, and Ireland had never before tasted success. Right from the off, however, they were in contention for the medals.

After a practice round on the Tuesday, the first competitive round saw the team tying for the bronze medal position. Normally the competitions are held over one day with two rounds run back to back, but the heat in Portugal meant the riders were allowed a day between appearances, and Ireland obviously used the extra time to good effect.

From their overnight position of third they surged up the leader board after posting an early clear round and by the time Kerry set off for the final round she knew that a clear round would get Ireland into a jump off for the gold medal.

The situation was a repeat of a recent Grand Prix in Wales, and in the anchor role Kerry once again delivered, clearing every fence to put Ireland into a three way tie at the top of the leader board alongside Great Britain and Germany.

In the jump-off to decide the destination of the medals, the Great Britain team were first off and they increased the pressure by going clear however Kerry responded in fine style, recording a clear round seven seconds faster than her rival.

The German rider could not match Kerry's efforts and Ireland were crowned champions for the first time in their history, also claiming the honour of becoming the youngest ever team to secure the esteemed prize.

Kerry and Kelly's mother was delighted with the success of the sisters, and is now hoping to take both girls to Italy next month for another high profile event.

"We are hoping to do a show in Italy in August," said Jeannie Taggart. "It will depend on us getting the finance sorted because it is quite an expensive trip, but it's a qualification event for the Olympics, and although the girls are too young to qualify for this Olympics it will be a good chance to see what is needed for next time."