Profit jump in O’Connor’s firm

The sports horse breeding firm operated by international show-jumper and Olympic medalist, Cian O’Connor last year cleared all hurdles to record profits of €216,885.

Figures just lodged by O’Connor’s Ronnoco Jump Ltd with the Companies Office show that the firm enjoyed the boost in fortunes after revenues topped €4.65m.

The figures show that accumulated profits at the firm increased from €411,175 to €628,060 in the 12 months to the end of Dec last.

The performance by the Co Meath-based firm, that employs 12, coincided with O’Connor taking Olympic bronze in the 2012 London Olympics.

O’Connor established his bloodstock business as his Karlswood Stables at Tara, Co Meath in 2008.

Mr O’Connor said that the firm “experienced steady growth last year and its performance reflected an increase in sales and more confidence in our customer market”.

The 33-year-old said: “The international acclaim resulting from the winning of the individual bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics has brought me and my company to the attention of a number of international owners and sponsors.

“This has the added benefit of bringing international owners, riders, sponsors among others to Ireland not just to visit us at Karlswood Stables but also to recognise Ireland generally as a centre of excellence for equestrian activities generally.

Mr O’Connor — who became a father for the first time last week — said that the firm’s revenues are made up of bloodstock sales and high level coaching.

“We experienced increased business on all fronts last year. We enjoyed an excellent year of consolidation.”