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To the Editor,

With the showjumping season drawing to a close, I belief it is only right to acknowledge the contribution that Cian O'Connor has made to the sport of show jumping and Ireland before the year is out.

Ireland has and is blessed with very talented riders, however, since Cian's breakthrough onto the international scene, he has brought about a fresh impetus to the sport that was desperately needed. I do not wish to catalogue his achievements here, (as I would need considerably more space for that), but would rather acknowledge the effects of his achievement.

Every Irish person loves to read or hear about Irish individuals/teams performing well no matter what sport they compete in. We are a very proud nation, and to this end Cian's achievements as a team member and as an individual have made us stand taller, especially when Ireland has left some of the world's leading riders and countries in their shadows come presentation time. Perhaps you can recall the chant of Cian-o echoing around the hallowed show grounds at the R.D.S.? Indeed you could be forgiven if you though you were down the road in Lansdowne watching other Irish sporting hero's Roy and Robbie ply their trade. What Cian has done, that no one can dispute, is given us a reason over the past number of years to stand tall, clap, cheer and be proud.

When I was growing up, before my family was involved with the sport, I grew up with Eddie Macken and Paul Darragh as the heroes of the sport. When we got our first pony, we used to ride around the paddock, jumping big thick poles placed on old tar barrels. When we did this we played out the role of winning the Aga Khan in Dublin in front of a packed house. Every child needs a hero, someone to aspire to, Cian has satisfied their needs. Never before has there been as many people involved in the sport, most notably in pony, junior, young riders and amateurs. In the junior levels they aspire to achieve what Cian has achieved. Does Brian Kerr have to rely on the "great great grandparent twice removed on the fathers side" to achieve the success of the current Irish soccer team? The answer is no as a result of the success of the Jack Charlton era. Similarly the future of show jumping is bright. The story of Cian's success has given them a belief that anything is possible if they work hard and are professional in their approach. Cian advocates the need of training, something of which he is a product. Cian himself imparts the knowledge and experience he has gained back into the sport through the work he does with young people and novice riders alike.

Last month I watched Cian apply his trade close up at our Leinster Indoor Showjumping Championships and End of Year Championship. Amongst the "breaking stories" and "media frenzy" he continued to do his job, something he loves doing, and picked up the Leading Rider Prize, (awarded to the rider picking up the most wins and places during the five day show), a third place in the largest grand prix of the year with the very promising Echo Beach, and also won a mini Grand Prix on the same mount for good measure. His professionalism has to be admired and was once again evident at the wonderful Belfast International Horse Show two weeks ago.

We as a nation are proud of our local, national and international achievements in every sport . However, whilst Gaelic games, soccer and rugby may grab the headlines, let us not forget that as we head into 2005 that Ireland boasts of European Team Gold Medal Winners, a World Champion in Dermot Lennon and an Olympic Gold medalist in Cian O'Connor. The time has also come to look beyond the current controversy and let due process run its course. Moreover the time has come to focus on the positives that this young man has brought to the sport of showjumping and Ireland, whilst also remembering this sport of ours undoubtedly offers Ireland with the best opportunity of a medal in four years time in Beijing.

Hopefully we can look beyond the cloud that hangs over a memorable night in Athens. I for one look forward to more success at home and abroad from this wonderful sport in 2005.

Yours optimistically,
Fintan Flannelly Jnr.
Kill International Equestrian Centre,
Kill,
County Kildare.
Republic of Ireland