O’Connor Rider of the Year and Ireland Team of the Year for 2024

Cian O’Connor was awarded the 2024 Nations Cup Rider of the Year, while Ireland were named Team of the Year

Outstanding news this afternoon on a fantastic achievement for Cian O’Connor, named 2024 Nations Cup Rider of the Year, while Michael Blake also led Ireland to win the team rankings.

Riding four different horses (Fancy De Kergane, Maurice, Fermoy and Iron Man) over the course of the season, Cian was the clear winner of the award having ridden a whopping 15 clear rounds. Daniel Coyle was joint third overall, level with Henrik Von Eckermann on 10 clear rounds.

O’Connor was delighted with the award and said, from the sidelines of CHI Geneva: “I think it’s very special because it’s unique to be able to represent your country. We jump every week as individual athletes, but when we can help each other and compete as a team, it creates a very special atmosphere and culture.

“And the Irish team has done so well that I feel very lucky to have been a part of it for so long. Actually, my first Nations Cup was in Athens in 1999.”

O’Connor said of the Nations Cup in general: “The Nations Cup is probably the biggest challenge for us riders. Two identical rounds at short intervals, two water jumps, two triple combinations. I think the Nations Cup is very important, not only for the development of the horses, but also for the riders.

“It teaches the riders that Friday afternoon is usually the time and the day to perform – just like at a championship.”

The Irish team finished on top of the rankings after jumping 77 clear rounds over the season, two clear of Germany on 75 with The Netherlands in third on 62. Ireland’s 15 podiums was also the best in the world, with the Germans in second on 12 and Great Britain on nine.

Blake said: “We are obviously very pleased to be on top of the table for podiums and clear rounds. It goes to show how much pride we all take in the green jacket and representing our country.

“It’s a fantastic programme we have built and it’s a fantastic honour to be named team of the year.”

Full tables and overall results from the 2024 season can be found HERE