“CON was a proper gentleman, he had out and out high standards. Anytime I would ever ring him, my opening line would be ‘could I speak to Ireland’s greatest ever show jumper’, and Con would say ‘you’re speaking to him’.

He was an exceptional horse man; he could win on a normal horse, a bad horse, and then he would be able to ride a fabulous horse too. I had fantastic admiration for him. We had great trips together and great fun, he was a great character and always had a big smile on his face.

I never heard him say a bad word about anyone, that was his character. He had a hello for everyone, young and old, just a proper gentleman. He was a fabulous trainer – nothing was complicated. He would fill you with confidence.

“David Broome phoned me last night and he described him as great horseman, great athlete and proper gentleman.” - James Kernan

“My first recollection of Con Power was when he was lieutenant in the Army, I was going pretty well in Ireland at the time. I remember we jumped against each other in an Under 23 competition at Kill Show. I went into the jump-off and jumped what I thought was the winning round… I couldn’t believe it when this guy from the Army, Con Power, came in and beat me!

“After that, we became great friends. He was such a motivator; he was a breath of fresh air and he raised the standards. We have been life-long friends for the last 50-odd years, we did a Facetime the week before he passed. What a great family and what a great life he lived. Being asked to carry his coffin was a great honour, I will miss him.” - Eddie Macken

Jane Darragh, wife of the late Paul Darragh, James Kernan, Captain Con Power, and Eddie Macken, pictured at a special reception in 2017 which was 40 years after the first of three Aga Khan wins in-a-row \ Sam Barnes Sportsfile

“I was so sorry to hear that my mentor, trainer, and friend, Captain Con Power, had passed away. I was so fortunate to have Con and his wife, Mag, as my first trainers. Con was brilliant, always positive, and always kept things simple. The lessons I learnt then are with me daily. My heartfelt sympathy to Mag, Robert, Esib and his greater family. May he rest in peace.” -Bertram Allen

“He was a fantastic teacher and person. He was a great help to me when I was eventing. We go back a long way and he was my show jumping teacher. Someone said he could see a stride from one end of the RDS arena to the other. He had that style of riding, long rein and leg, and was just a fantastic rider and teacher. He was in that era with Eddie Macken, Paul Darragh and James Kernan. They were absolutely magical and Con was the most lovely person.” - Jessica Harrington

“Captain Con Power, or simply known as ‘The Captain’, was a legend of Irish show jumping. What he achieved in the saddle representing the Army Equitation School and the country has never been surpassed.

“As a horseman, he was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s finest. In addition to that, his contribution to the Irish equestrian world as a trainer, mentor and a friend to so many people will be his true legacy.” - Lt Col Tom Freyne, commanding officer of the Army Equitation School

“Today, we celebrate the legacy of Captain Con Power, a true icon in Irish equestrian sport, whose unforgettable performances at the RDS Dublin Horse Show left an indelible mark.

“Known for his courage and skill, Con achieved historic victories, including Ireland’s legendary three-in-a-row Aga Khan triumph and the thrilling puissance win with Rockbarton.

“His passion lives on through his family, with his wife Mags, a talented horsewoman in her own right, and their children Robbie and Elizabeth achieving remarkable successes in National Hunt and eventing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Power family. Captain Con Power’s legacy at the RDS and in Irish horsemanship will inspire generations to come.” - Dublin Horse Show

“A true legend of Irish show jumping has passed away today, but leaves behind a legacy of knowledge and horsemanship in those that were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to either compete with or train with Captain Con, who was always willing to give advice and encourage aspiring riders and horsemen and women.

“The show jumping world will miss him and we offer his family and friends the support they will need in the coming days and weeks.” - ShowJumping Ireland

“Ride on Captain Con. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.” - A horseman

“Condolences to the Power family. The joy Captain Power brought us as kids has lived with me throughout my life and I’ve passed it on to my own children.” - Tipperary family

“So sad to hear. This nation has watched and admired you for many years, as you represented us with such grace and dignity. Rest in heavenly peace now.” - Meath family

My sincere condolences to the Power family on the death of Captain Con. I remember the joy he brought as a member of the Irish show jumping team, what a horseman. Thanks for the memories. Rest easy now Soldier, your duty is done.” - Meath fan

“Deepest sympathies to Con’s family. Sir, you were one of life’s gentlemen and a very fair officer, may you now rest in eternal peace with the angels, slán leat uaisle.” - Retired soldier

“One of the greatest ever, rest in peace Captain Power.”- Dub

“I have great memories of Con from the early days of April 1972, when we were among the members of the 47th cadet class gathered in the Curragh, starting out in army life. These memories carried and multiplied as we saw ‘one of our number’ achieve world-class standing in the show jumping world. Con was as fiercely competitive on a horse’s back as he was good company when dismounted. My condolences to Margaret, Elizabeth and Robbie, may you now rest in peace Con.”- Michael Gannon, 47th cadet class

“Wonderful horseman gave us many a good day watching you jumping. Thank you for all you did for the sport, a truly great ambassador. You will always be remembered on Aga Khan days. Rest in peace Con.” - Anon Co Cork

“Goodbye to a legend of Irish sport. May your knowledge live on in the people you inspired and taught.” - An old fan