I WOULD like to congratulate and express my gratitude to all associated with the magnificent Olympic qualification and victory in the World Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

To my colleagues in the High Performance committee, Rodrigo Pessoa, Michael Blake and Taylor Vard, a special thanks for their patience, consistent support and expertise in helping to orchestrate this historic qualification for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and the unbelievable victory in the Nations Cup Final from 17 other strong international teams.

A special thanks must go to Michael Blake, ‘the Jack Russell’, who was always there for the team riders and indeed the man behind the consistent success in our wins in the Division 2 Nations Cups series as our development team manager.

To the riders, grooms and their magnificent owners that supported our efforts through adversity and success over the last three Nations Cup seasons – there were sacrifices made, long distances travelled and a financial burden that I wish we could have alleviated in some way.

Congratulations to our special team in Barcelona. Peter Maloney on Chianti’s Champion, the pathfinder, who coped with such a daunting occasion with a quiet confidence and expertise that impressed everyone.

Paul O’Shea on Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu (Mr Consistency), a rider who puts team and country first with a positive and ‘can do’ approach. Paul’s record in Nations Cups is outstanding and his ride in the final was flawless.

Darragh Kenny and Balou du Reventon, superbly stylish and one of the most successful riders of his generation whose delight after his final clear round helped the team clinch qualification.

Cian O’Connor on PSG Final, the team anchor and successful Olympian who sealed the win in the final with guts and a cool determination that is his hallmark.

Shane Sweetnam with Alejandro, our reserve and a vital part of our team for the last three years. His support of the team in Barcelona was evident and powerful and a great tribute to his commitment to Team Ireland.

To the sponsors who ensured that HSI was in a position to provide the back-up required by Team Ireland. A special thanks to Devenish, The Underwriting Exchange and Sport Ireland who have supported Team Ireland throughout this qualification period, and the official clothing supplier, Equiline.

Thanks to our great support team at HSI and to CEO Ronan Murphy for administration and logistic support throughout.

Success is a fragile friend that can easily be lost. The road ahead is even more challenging and decisions made now can easily undo and negate this magnificent result that was hard earned. The Olympics is not just another competition or Nations Cup, it is a special competition that all athletes aspire to medal at.

We must continue to ensure that all involved in the Olympic effort – riders, managers, coaches and support staff are there unselfishly for the team and have the management and sporting skills required to achieve that elusive gold medal.

Your etc,

Gerry Mullins

Show Jumping High Performance committee chairman