Cork Honours Ireland's AGA Khan Victor

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. John Buttimer, acknowledged the achievements of the victorious AGA Khan Trophy winning showjumping team by hosting a reception in his chambers today (Thursday). Corkman Robert Splaine was Chef d'Equipe of the team. To mark the occasion the Aga Khan trophy made its first journey to the country's second city.

Team member Cian O' Connor was also present with his Olympic bronze medal from London. Also in attendance were representatives from the RDS, The Army Equitation School, The Olympic Council of Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland as well as some other prominent equestrian figures.

In his address at the reception, Robert Splaine acknowledged the contribution of all the owners of the horses that represent Ireland on the world's stage.

"At any time when I speak of our great victories I want you to know that I am thinking of the owners. Their support is vital to our success, " he said.

He went on to praise the members of the victorious 2012 Aga Khan team - Clem McMahon riding Pacino, Richie Moloney on Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve, Darragh Kerins on Lisona and Cian O'Connor with Blue Loyd.

"Together they put on an astounding display of horsemanship and teamsmanship in front of an absolutely fantastic home crowd at the best venue in the world, the Royal Dublin Society, to take the Aga Khan Trophy, "Splaine said.

The Chef d'Equipe went on to detail the other competition successes that had resulted in Ireland finishing third in the world in the FEI show jumping Top League, of which the Aga Khan Trophy was a part, and also singled out other Cork riders who had made a contribution to Ireland's overall success during the year.