Fred Ahern competed in the showjumping Prix des Nations at the 1948 London Olympic Games - the first appearance of showjumping under Irish colours at the Olympics - finishing 17th individually with 25.5 faults. He was the second of the three Irish riders to complete the course on 14 August at the Empire Stadium. The combined faults of Corry and Ahern had placed Ireland in a strong position before the team's third rider's disqualification ended the team competition.
Fred Ahern was a career soldier with the Irish Army, serving in their cavalry. From 1929-39 he was a member of the Irish Army jumping team. For many years he commanded the Irish Army Equitation School. Ahern won several jumping championships on tours of the United States and Canada, in New York, Chicago, and Toronto. After his Olympic appearance, he captained the Irish jumping teams from 1949-52 and 1955.
Equestrian
