O’Connor caps ‘surreal couple of weeks’ with Grand Prix third

Olympic bronze medallist Cian O’Connor ensured himself a fitting send-off from the Discover Dublin Horse Show yesterday when third in the €200,000 Longines Grand Prix.

O’Connor, a member of Ireland’s Aga Khan Trophy-winning team on Friday, said he was heartened by the support he had received, having left the RDS last night to be feted at a public celebration in Ratoath, Co Meath, along with pentathlete Natalya Coyle.

“It’s been a surreal couple of weeks and everything has gone according to plan and so much more, obviously. I’ve only had Blue Loyd seven months and it has been amazing journey and, when I see and hear both the crowd in the RDS and, indeed, the people in my village who came out tonight, I am humbled. I am really delighted that the Olympics and the team success in Friday’s nations cup has lifted the spirits of people, generally.”