The King’s Hospital School is delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of past pupil Sharon Crean (Class of 2000), who has recently been appointed Officer Commanding of the Army Equitation School—becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious role.
A former student of The King’s Hospital School, Sharon’s journey is one of dedication, talent and determination. Having developed a passion for horses from a young age, she went on to compete internationally before joining the Defence Forces in 2000 as a cadet.
Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Sharon has held a variety of roles within the Army Equitation School, including becoming its first female Second-in-Command in 2016. She has also represented Ireland abroad through peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and the Western Sahara, demonstrating both leadership and commitment on the international stage.
In addition to her equestrian and military accomplishments, Sharon has pursued academic excellence, qualifying as a barrister after studying at the King’s Inns. Notably, she was the first person to study law through the Army while serving, forging a unique and inspiring career path that bridges both disciplines.
The Army Equitation School, based in McKee Barracks in Dublin, has a long and proud history of promoting Ireland and the Irish sport horse on the world stage, with riders competing at the highest levels of international equestrian sport. Sharon now leads the school into its centenary year, marking a significant milestone for both the institution and her own career.
Sharon’s success is particularly inspiring for current students of The King’s Hospital School, especially those with an interest in equestrian sport, law or careers in the Defence Forces. Her achievements highlight the diverse pathways available to students and the opportunities that can arise from combining passion with perseverance.
