Here's a picture of our winners - Cian, and Tipperary Crystal.
Posted on 08/27/2004 1:41:52 PM PDT by Happygal
Showjumper Cian O’Connor tonight won the first gold medal for the Irish team at the Athens Olympics.
The 25-year-old rider, who lives in Rathoat, County Meath, took first place in the Showjumping final with a flawless final round on his horse Waterford Crystal.
O’Connor, who had four faults in his first round, punched the air in delight after clearing the final fence.
It was the first ever gold medal for the Irish equestrian team.
Two other Irish showjumpers, Kevin Babington and Jessica Kuerten, finished in fifth and 19th places respectively.
O’Connor said: “Normally I’m not stuck for words but this time I am. I’m absolutely delighted my horse won. He jumped fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for any more.”
Hundreds of flag-waving Irish supporters cheered when O’Connor was presented with his gold medal. He was tearful as the Irish flag was hoisted and the band played the national anthem, Amhran na bhFiann.
O’Connor took his horse on a series of celebratory laps around the Marco Polo Equestrian Centre.
The Chef d’Equipe of the Irish equestrian team, Colonel Ned Campion, said O’Connor had won with great style.
“To be standing beside a gold medal winner, it’s the experience of my lifetime.
“We fancied him along the line, maybe not to win the gold, but certainly there or thereabouts,” he told RTE.
Robert Hall, the veteran RTE showjumping commentator, told viewers he was lost for words.
“Incredible. It’s an absolute privilege to be here,” he said.
O’Connor’s grandfather is rugby legend Karl Mullen, who watched the final on television at home in Kilcullen, County Kildare.
“I feel so elated. I will take weeks to calm down,” said Mr Mullen. “This has been better than any experience in my life.”
He told RTE his grandson had great sponsorship support from Anthony O’Reilly, the chairman of Independent Newspapers.
O’Connor has been a rising star of Irish showjumping since he made his first Nations Cup appearance at the age of 18.
Earlier this year, he won his first Aga Khan trophy with the Irish team at the Nations Cup in Dublin.
The gold medal victory comes after a series of disappointments for the Irish Olympic team.
Walker Jamie Costin was ruled out through a car crash, while the highly fancied medal contender in the women’s event, Gillian O’Sullivan, had to withdraw through injury.
Oh, the US took the bronze! :-)
And the winner is an O'Connor too!!! :-)
I may have to have some Guinness to celebrate! :-)
This is a good day for Ireland.
We win Olympic gold, and the Clinton's leave the country! :-)
Congrats, Toots!
Here's a picture of our winners - Cian, and Tipperary Crystal.
32 pints of Guinness without going to the restroom on Independance night!
*chuckle*
No, seriously though, cause for celebration!
(Just ot 32 pints!)
Ok! I'll have a go at a couple of dozen! ;-)
Ha! (kidding! *L*)
LOL!!
OKers, have half of one for me.
(Tradition of mine.)
I, however am involved in a research project. I bought some beer. We have a presidential candidate who wants to drag us back to the late 60's. OK. Remember The DOORS? I want to understand Kerry's frame of mind when he threw a high explosive into a bunch of rice and the rice blew up his ass and he got a Purple Heart because his feelings were hurt:)
SO,
I am deeply studying the live version of The DOORS 'When the Music's Over' and in particular,
Ha!
Well enjoy.
I went through a 'Doors' phase in my college years.
Who would have thunk I'd end up loving showtunes?
The world is a funny place! :-)
I saw The DOORS at a place on Sunset Boulevard where all the freaks loitered about. But we have a candidate who is over 60 and can't let it go, it seems. I must regress into those times to see his message:) It's hard to find.
The Doors did opera.
And they opened the Starwood on Sunset Blvd. Memory lag, but it's intact:)
Awwww c'mon Angel, who'ya kiddin'?
You'd have had a mug or two of the stuff, anyway.
Only difference is now you've really got a [legit] reason. :o)
~eh, sincerely happy for you & all your Emerald Isle compatriots on winning this Gold, kid.
...this Bud's...errrrr Guiness (!) is for you. ;^)
(Stamping hoof. Neighing.)
'Tis true. I been hiding it long enough, but it's time I came clean. I'm Irish. Now kiss me.
Well they did do Brecht's "Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)", so that's close enough.
Mazeltov! (I'm not really East Mediterranean Irish, Irish, but a buddy who is, got me in the habit of saying that). Have a great weekend: my home computer died, and I can't afford another for some time.
Zis tread needs more zocial realism. AND MORE MUSIC!!! Ich bin ein Muzaklander
-good times, G.J.P.(Jr.)
AAARRRGGHHH!!! Welcome aboard matie. Aye sympatize wit yer problem boy-o. Me own Macintosh went down several lanyards ago. Argh. 'Tis a misfortune all around.
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