Waterford Hunt Branch

A PROFILE OF FRANCIS CONNORS


Date of Birth
21 April 1962

Place of Birth
Waterford

Position in Family
Eldest

Marital Status
Married to Helen. 3 Children Jenny, Stephen, Kate

Education
Primary: Waterpark College
Secondary: Waterpark College

Occupation:
International Show Jumper and farmer

Achievements
10 Times Nation Grand Prix League Winner,
European Pony Champion 1977,
Golden Saddle winner 1977,
Member of 2 winning Nation Cup teams,
Reserve Rider with Cullohill Castle at the Barcelona Olympics 1992,
Numerous International Wins with Diamond Express, Spring Elegance, Diamond Explosion, Cruiseway, Cullohill Castle, Merlin’s Magic, AutoCruz,

Favourite Horse: Diamond Express Owned by my Dad Mick Connors

Biggest Disappointment: Missing out on a chance to compete in the Barcelona Olympics when Spring Elegance was injured a month before.

If you didn’t pursue this career what might you be doing now? Never thought about doing anything else.

Number of times competed in the RDS: Almost Every year since 1972

Greatest mentors: Parents, Paul Darragh

Hobbies/interests: Soccer, Horse Racing, And All Sports

Greatest sporting hero or heroine: A. P. McCoy

Musical tastes: Pat Shortt, Brendan Grace

Favourite tv programmes: Comedy’s Fr Ted, Only Fools & Horses

Favourite food: Steak

Favorite place on earth: Home with his family

YEAR OF FIRST PONY CLUB RALLY: 1970

Place: Pallas Stud, Woodstown

Name of first pony club pony: Smokie Joe