Dermot Weld: Racehorse trainer

"From a fan's perspective, well, who could forget the wonderful afternoon when the Irish team took on the French in Paris?

I didn't make it over unfortunately, but I watched the game on television and it was just mesmerising. Three brilliant tries from Brian O'Driscoll. Within my own field, there were so many positives for Irish racing. It was a great year for John Oxx and Sinndar. I achieved a lifetime's ambition by attaining the all-time record for winning horses in this country (his 2,578th win with Georgia Peach in Naas broke Senator JJ Parkinson's record) and the feeling of relief and satisfaction which went with that will remain with me for a long time. There was elation at first, but reflecting on it now, I'm just very happy for all of those who helped make it happen."