In a superb response speech at the end of a wonderful medal presentation to the 1977-1979 Aga Khan winning team by the Association of Sports Journalists in Croke Park Hotel on Friday last Eddie Macken spoke from the heart.

“I think I enjoyed this even more that the victories themselves as I realise how much you appreciate and remember what Paul, Con, James and myself did in those victories,” he said.

He went on to pay tribute to the greats that came before them and inspired them. “I hope what we were able to do will inspire those to come after us.” He asked for a toast to the missing member Paul Darragh whom he said “raised the sport in Ireland to a new level.”

Superb form

All three riders were in superb form for the presentation of medals and appeared deeply moved by both the brilliant outline of their achievements by the Associations President Peter Byrne and by the response to them by all those on hand for the beautifully orchestrated event.

Included among them were team chef d’equipe in 1978 and 1989 Col. Billy Ringrose.

Col Sean Daly(RIP) was represented by his daughter Louise. Also there was new CEO of Horse Sport Ireland Ronan Murphy and HSI Breeding Director Alison Corbally.