Cian O’Connor to jump for Ireland at the Olympics
Showjumper Cian O’Connor is to represent Ireland in the Olympic Games, after Denis Lynch was dropped by Horse Sport Ireland.
Today (Tuesday 10 July) the Olympic Council of Ireland approved HSI’s nomination of Cian as the second Irish showjumper for Greenwich.
The other Irish showjumper is Billy Twomey, who was selected alongside Denis last week.
Cian will compete as an individual on 12-year-old gelding Blue Loyd 12.
He took up the ride in December and this year the pair have jumped on Nations Cup teams and put in a good performance jumping at Aachen last week.
Denis was originally selected by HSI, but after his horse Lantinus 3 failed a hypersensitivity test at Aachen last week, his nomination was withdrawn. Denis said he was “devastated” and is considering an appeal.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity,” said Cian.
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“The circumstances which led to my selection are most unfortunate for Denis, however I must focus on the job at hand and ensure that both myself and Blue Loyd are in the best possible shape for the Games.
“Blue Loyd is an exceptional athlete and certainly has the potential to have a good Games.
“Hopefully Billy Twomey and myself will perform well and give the Irish public, who have such a passionate interest in the London Olympics, a full and committed effort which will lead to the best possible results.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.