At each of Cian's homecoming celebrations there have been many presentations made - and tonight was no exception with Newbridge Silverware giving a beautiful presentation pack presented to Cian by Fintan Flannelly Snr. and a superb floral arrangement to Rachel Wyse, Cian's girlfriend who is no doubt looking for a well earned break to spend some time with her now very famous boyfriend.
But there is no doubt that the most special presentation came when Brendan McArdle told Cian and the fully packed arena that there was someone special who wanted to add their congratulations to Cian - a "someone" who was very instrumental in Cian's career from his first days riding - at this point Cian spotted Alison Thorn to his right and he may have suspected that Alison was going to have a few words - and he may have been concerned that she might let out a few secrets from when he was just a school boy...................................but the look on his face said it all when he realised who the "someone special" was that had come to see him!
Led in by Young Rider, Liz Dore, with Alison alongside, was the horse who began it all - Radiman - the horse I understand was mentioned virtually every day in Athens by Cian as he tried to relax between rounds - the horse who is never far from his thoughts - Radiman, looking more like a 4 year old being paraded for his new rider, than a "retired gentleman" who has hunted hard, showjumped well and now enjoys retirement out in the field - but he certainly knew who this young man was waiting on the stage for him to come to him - horses never forget!

"oh go on Alison....give me a leg up for old times - please!"

"all right Cian, but I am not happy, you don't have a helmet on - nor a bridle or saddle for that matter!"

and the beaming smile on Cian's face says it all - no need for words from me - a gold medal around his neck while he sits aboard his first horse - Radiman, the Irish Draught gelding who taught him so much!

And when Cian was finally convinced to get down he still couldn't tear himself away from this special horse and so spent time feeding him polos and whispering in his ear!

 

And after sharing this wonderful moment with an arena full of fans, the party continued long into the night - and it was while wandering arund chatting with people that we discovered one of the most important people in Cian's team - Jane Doyle, who is one of the shyest people I have ever met - some have been heard to say that Jane prefers the company of horses to people - but having said that, Jane moonlights as a school teacher in the off season for showjumping - and no doubt she will have plenty to tell her students on her return to the classroom.

Jane is pictured below with Dan Walsh who rides and works for Cian at Karlswood Stables, based at Broadmeadows Equestrian Centre.

An exhausted, but happy Cian headed off from Kill International Equestrian Centre to try and catch up on sleep as he still has an exhausting schedule ahead of him which includes an appearance on The Late Late Show on Friday evening tv - an appearance on the Saturday morning kids tv and he will be special guest at the O2 concert in Phoenix Park on Saturday night - and if he is very lucky he may have a day to unpack his suitcase on Sunday - and with other celebrations planned I know Cian is itching to get back to riding as he has new horses in his yard waiting for him and he will be keen to be out at shows again!

In closing I would like to relate a story Cian told this evening which I guess sums up what winning a gold medal means to a showjumpers career.

Prior to going to Athens, Cian who was then ranked 53rd on the World Rankings rang to see if he could get an invitation to the Olso Show - the organiser told him there was no way he could get an invitation but if he wished to pay euro7,000 he would be more than welcome to attend.

Cian asked "what are my chances if I win a gold medal?" The organiser told him that "then he would be sure to get an invitation" and they both laughed!

When Cian won his gold medal, one of the first messages on his phone was from the organiser of the show simply saying "see you at the show!"

No doubt Cian now has entry to the best shows in the world and will continue to keep Ireland in the winners circle - Ireland's showjumping fraternity thank Cian O'Connor for doing so much for the sport of showjumping!

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