By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred of the legendary showjumper, Captain Con Power, (71), of international fame who is universally acknowledged as one of the finest riders of his generation and enjoyed a sparkling career during the 1970s and 1980s.
A native of Loftus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea in south-west Wexford Con married Margaret Latta, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, and they set up an equestrian home at Derrypatrick House, Summerhill, Co. Meath.
Beginning his career in the Army Equitation School in 1973, he developed into one of the world’s best riders, with notable successes at Aachen, New York and Toronto, while he was the leading rider at the Dublin Horse Show in 1976 and 1979.
Con will forever be remembered for being part of the dream team who won the Aga Khan trophy three times in a row, in 1977, 1978 and 1979, famously being the only rider to ride three different horses.
He will never be forgotten and leaves an incredible legacy on equestrian sports in Ireland. His son Robert, affectionately known as Robbie, also enjoyed a spectacular career in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey, winning many of the top races including the 2007 Aintree Grand National on the 33/1 winner Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott and the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John, while daughter Elizabeth has also forged a successful Eventing career, and won the five-star RDS Stakes at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019.
Deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, Robert and Elizabeth, Lovingly remembered by his family, daughter-in-law Hannah, sisters and brothers; Ann, Pat, Ted, Mandy, Vonnie, Vivienne, Pierce and Helen, extended family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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