O’Connor pulls out of awards

CIAN O’CONNOR will not be attending tonight’s live televised ceremony where he was due to receive the top honour in the 2004 ESB/Rehab People of the Year Awards.

He was to receive the award from President Mary McAleese.

The organisers of the event said last night no overall Person of the Year award would be made but that awards would be presented as planned in other categories.

Recipients of the awards are kept secret until they are announced live on television but the scandal forced plans for the showjumper’s involvement into the open.

In a statement, the organisers said: “Due to the current controversy, Cian has decided not to accept the award. We regret the circumstances which have led to this. However, we have respected his decision and we note his unequivocal assertion of his innocence of any impropriety.”

Past winners of the award include Veronica Guerin, Bob Geldof, John Hume and George Mitchell.