Cian O’Connor fails in appeal over 'unsporting decision' that cost Ireland Olympic qualification

Cian O'Connor and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) have not been successful in their bid to overturn the results of the FEI European Jumping Championships in Germany.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has found in favour of the original decision made by the ground judges and then the F.E.I Appeal Committee.

The Irish team appealed the result after a steward had ran on the course while O'Connor was competing in his final round at the event in Aachen in August 2015.

The Meath man had been on course for a clear round before a member of the ground crew ran in front of him and had to jump into a flower bed to get out of the way. O'Connor knocked the next fence, the only rider to do so.

That left Ireland just 0.38 penalties behind Spain, who earned the final Olympic place.

O’Connor has described the news as “disappointing” in a post on Facebook.

“Disappointing News- Court Of Arbitration for Sport have upheld the decision of the FEI appeal committee from Aachen which means Team Ireland do not get a place for the Rio Olympics,” he wrote.

“I have no regrets. I tried everything possible and left no stone unturned in trying to seek fairness for what I feel was an unsporting decision made by the ground jury in Aachen. It’s time to move on and refocus on the sport rather than getting caught up further in bureaucracy and even more angry with officialdom.

“Team Ireland are first reserve because of the good performance at WEG in 2014 so there is always a chance that we will get there yet- so best to keep aiming for it I guess!! Another interesting chapter for my book when I get round to it and I look forward to telling the no- holds- barred version!!!”