I am guessing that by the time 6pm came this Monday evening that Cian was beginning to feel that it was easier, less tiring and possibly less work to win the Gold medal than it was to celebrate its winning!

After the press conference at the airport, the meet the people at the airport - a VIP reception at the airport - Rachel and Cian managed to find just one short hour to nick off home and have a shower and get changed for the next round of festivities at Broadmeadows Equestrian Centre where Cian's Karlswood Training Stables are based - because it was here that there were more celebrations happening.

The Show Jumping Association of Ireland put on a "big bash" with food and drink supplied for all those wishing to come along - and Irish TV station RTE plus SKY TV, BBC and TV3 were all there to record the party - the huge screen in the Indoor arena at Broadmeadows rang out with replays of Cian's Gold medal round in Athens, just days ago - and to add to the fun of the occasion Brendan McArdle, possibly my favourite commentator in the world, was in charge of the microphone!

Cian and Rachel were scheduled to arrive at 6pm but traffic held them up, even with their police escort but they did finally arrive - and in fine style in the open topped vintage rolls royce - and what a sight it was as they came up the Broadmeadows Equestrian Centre avenue with the sun shining on them - royalty couldn't have looked more regal than this couple, who have handled the sudden publicity deluge with such dignity and humour - congratulations Cian and Rachel - and may you always stay as happy as you look today!

Some facts about Rachel Wyse:

1. Rachel is 19 years of age and studdying at University.

2. Rachel is a showjumper herself.

3. Rachel owns and jumps one of jumpingaround.com's favourite mares - the chestnut Tinkers Girl.

......and the people just keep pouring into the Indoor arena - and it was different people to those who had greeted the showjumpers at Dublin Airport - and they came in by the busload - some from as far away as Galway and others from just around the corner and across the road!

The signage along the road on the way to Broadmeadows was everywhere with words like "Cian bring Gold to Rathoate" - "Congrats Cian - you made us proud" - "Welcome Cian - you won Gold".......

Some people, pictured left, had a distinct viewing advantage when in the possession of a very tall dad!

I wonder what this young man, pictured below is dreaming of as he gazes up at Cian on the balcony of the Indoor here at Broadmeadows Equestrian Centre.

And Cian and Rachel arrive to an even bigger crowd who gave a deafening roar as the coupl eof the moment came through the gold curtains put up for this most special of occasions.

Brendan interviewed Cian and got him to talk his way through the course - Cian laughed when he explained that this was actually the first time he was seeing the round and the medal ceremony as his video camera had decided to jam up on him and they couldn't get it to work.

Cian also explained that the oxers were wider than anything he had every seen and how delighted he was with the way Waterford Crystal jumped and how well he had pulled up after the weeks jumping in Athens.

Brendan also asked the question that everyone has been wondering about in yards all over the country - was Waterford Crystal coming home or had he been sold - and if he hasn't been sold, is he now on the market? Cian became quite emotional at this question and said that "yes prior to the Games, his owners and himself, had decided that after the Games the horse would be sold - sound financial sense really" - but after a pause Cian added "but he has won a Gold medal for Ireland and he is a special horse and........well who knows - but hopefully he might stay with me"!

Cian was very emotional as he thanked his Groom Jane Doyle who has been with him for some years now grooming at the top level. He praised her dedication and support throughout the lead up to his Olympic bid and throughout the Games themselves. Cian has been in constant contact with Jane as she travels home with Waterford Crystal and they are expected to land on Irish soil on Wednesday some time. Jane is "more than a Groom" Cian said in his thanks to her.

Cian also thanked his Grandparents Karl and Doreen Mullen and parents Taidgh and Louise for all their support over the years - and not to forget his sponsor and godfather Tony and Chryss O'Riley who formally pledged their support of Cian in 1999 for his Olympic bid - they are the owners of Waterford Crystal.

Above left: "look what I won mum!"

Above right - proud dad Taidgh must be the proudest dad in the country today.

Two very proud women - above left, grandmother Doreen and above right mother Louise.

Below- grandfather Karl looks up at hs grandson Cian, on the balcony at Broadmeadows with such pride and love - it is easy to see that they have a mutual admiration society!