Jessica Harrington and Eric McNamara pay tribute to 'the great Captain' after Con Power's death aged 71

Jessica Harrington and Eric McNamara have paid tribute to "fantastic rider and person" Captain Con Power after the legendary showjumper's death at the age of 71.

Having got his first call-up in 1976, Power was a member of the famous Aga Khan three-in-a-row-winning Irish team from 1977 to 1979 with James Kernan, Eddie Macken and the late Paul Darragh, partnering three different horses in Coolronan, Castlepark and Rockbarton.

It was a prolific period for Power, who was leading rider at the Dublin Horse Show in 1976 and 1979, as well as at Ostend, Washington, New York and Toronto in 1978 in addition to Aachen in 1979.

Power's son Robbie is a Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider and one of Ireland's most decorated jump jockeys, while daughter Elizabeth has had huge success in eventing and showjumping, including winning at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019. 

Harrington, who was one of Ireland's finest event riders, paid tribute to her mentor, saying: "He was a fantastic teacher and person. He was a great help to me when I was eventing. We go back a long way and he was my showjumping teacher. 

"Someone said he could see a stride from one end of the RDS arena to the other. He had that style of riding, long reign and leg, and was just a fantastic rider and teacher.

"He was in that era with Eddie Macken, Paul Darragh and James Kernan. They were absolutely magical and Con was the most lovely person."

McNamara, who showjumped with Power, said: "The great Captain. We were great friends for many many years and he was always so kind to me from back in our showjumping days. 

"What a wonderful man and what a fantastic rider. More than anything else, he was an amazing family man and raised his children to be wonderful people and top-class sports people.

"His wife Mags will miss him terribly and may he rest in peace. He was a star and an unbelievable competitor. He achieved so much, winning so many international competitions all over the world."