Golden boy Cian tastes Olympic glory
However, last night marked a reversal of fortune when the Meath man won Ireland's only Olympic gold medal when he won the individual showjumping final.
The 24-year-old rider and his 13-year-old horse Waterford Crystal had only four penalty points going into the final and gave a flawless performance, finally winning that elusive gold medal for Ireland.
"I'm not normally stuck for words but I just don't know, it has not sunk in at all yet," the delighted rider said after the medal ceremony last night.
"I'm obviously delighted with my horse here today," he said as he paid tribute to the many people who have worked with and supported him over the years. "This is not a one man band and, of course, the horse has done a fantastic job.
"I would say there will be plenty of Guinness poured back home in Ireland tonight. I am sure it will be very well received at home. I would hope it will be a big boost to the sport," he added.
Trainer and former top showjumper Eddie Mackin said O'Connor was a true professional.
"My heart goes out to Jessica [Kuerten] and Kevin [Babington]. They were brilliant as well but it just did not come off for them," he said.
"This is our first medal and it is the right colour. We made history today. When Cian came out of the ring, I told him that he had won a medal and I sent him in to prepare for a possible jump-off, but it was not necessary in the end - he was absolutely superb."
The lucky jacket which O'Connor has always worn at big competitions may have had something to do the win. Gardaí managed to retrieve the stolen car and jacket last week in time for the competition.
Messages of congratulation poured in from all angles last night, including from the showjumper's godfather, Tony O'Reilly, and his wife.
"Chris and I are hugely delighted at Cian's triumph, for himself and his family, for his mother and for his grandfather, who I played rugby with," the business tycoon said last night.
"All I can say is it's a great day for Cian, for Ireland and for all involved. We've watched Cian over 10 years develop into the rider he is today with the character he has developed."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also congratulated O'Connor.
"Cian showed enormous courage and determination with his performance. Ireland has a proud history in showjumping events and his win is a victory which everyone in Ireland can be very proud of," he said.
Sports Minister John O'Donoghue described O'Connor's performance as "magnificent" and said it was a testament to his commitment, dedication and training, while President Mary McAleese, Tánaiste Mary Harney and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also offered their congratulations.
O'Connor's triumph came after his team-mate Jessica Kuerten, who had jumped a clear first round, produced a disastrous final round.
The victory was particularly welcome after a disappointing Olympic Games for the Irish team so far.
Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) head Pat Hickey looks set to run for a fourth term as president despite the recent controversy surrounding his comment about the Irish sailing team.
Mr Hickey was heavily criticised this week after dismissing the sailors' performance as "horrific" and "dismal" while team members had yet to compete.
