The Irish Sports Council were informed today, October 8th, by the Equestrian Federation of Ireland of a positive result of medication control test on a horse at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
The positive finding was in a sample from Waterford Crystal, the horse who combined with Cian O'Connor to win the individual gold medal in show jumping.
The test was carried out by the FEI, the world governing body of equestrian sport.
FEI has responsibility for the global anti-doping programme for horses involved in equestrian sports, including at a national level in Ireland.
This position is recognised and endorsed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Irish Sports Council recognises the role of FEI in this regard and will accept the findings of FEI at the conclusion of the process.
The council, which condemns the use of prohibited substances and methods in any form in sport, is shocked and disappointed at the findings.
It recognises that today's news is a major setback for equestrian sport and sport in general in Ireland.
However, we are conscious that the full facts are not yet known and the process is not complete.
Cian O'Connor has expressed devastation at the news and has proclaimed his innocence and determination to clear his name.