Taoiseach pays tribute to golden boy O'Connor

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has congratulated Ireland's Cian O'Connor on winning the gold medal for individual showjumping at the Olympic Games in Athens this evening.

Mr Ahern said: "Cian showed enormous courage and determination with his performance in the final round tonight in Athens. Ireland has a proud history in showjumping events and this win is a victory which everyone in Ireland can be very proud of.

"I want to congratulate Cian and all the Irish show jumping team for their marvellous performances in what can only be one of the toughest show jumping competitions witnessed.

The Taoiseach also paid tribute to all the Irish competitors in the Athens Olympic Games.

"All of Ireland should be proud of the performances put in after many years of hard work, by all the athletes in the Irish team over the past two weeks. Participating on the world stage in any event, while representing your country brings enormous pressures and the team has competed admirably."

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue said: "I am delighted at Cian's magnificent performance and congratulate him on his tremendous achievement on winning an Olympic Gold Medal.

"This gold medal is testament to the commitment, dedication and training which he has put in and will serve as an inspiration to other young sportspersons.

"With all three of our jumpers - Cian, Jessica Kuerten and Kevin Babington - qualifying for the individual jumping final it has been a particularly proud day for Irish Equestrian sport."