HOME TOWN REACTION:SHOCK, DISAPPOINTMENT and sheer disbelief - those were just some of the reactions from people in Denis Lynch's home town of Tipperary yesterday.
Just last Friday a big street party was thrown in Aherlow Court, the small housing estate where the 32-year-old grew up, to mark his first day competing at the Hong Kong showjumping event.
Yesterday was again due to be a day of celebrations, this time at Tony Lowrey's pub on Main Street.Scores of people were expected to cheer on their local hero, who was widely tipped for an Olympic medal.
Before leaving for the Olympics, Denis gave an interview to the Tipperary People magazine in which he described competing in the Games as a "dream come true".
But yesterday that dream was shattered when Lynch was sensationally dumped out of the Games just four hours before the finals were due to begin, after his horse Lantinus tested positive for a banned substance.
"It was always my ambition to jump for Ireland and I was fortunate to achieve that. But now to have the honour of representing my country at Olympics will be a dream come true," Lynch told the magazine, which carried messages of luck from local businesses.
Local people said it was the first time in the history of the Olympics that a native of Tipperary town competed in the Games, so the excitement ahead of the final was compared to that of All-Ireland hurling final day. "It was to be a gathering of clans and there was a lot of excitement," said publican Tony Lowrey.
"We heard on the breaking news shortly before 9am that something had happened and then it was confirmed that he wasn't going to be taking part. Of course everyone is very disappointed."
The showjumper's parents, Denis Lynch snr and Mary Lynch, were also due to watch the finals of the event in Lowrey's pub. Irish flags and banners were draped across the pub walls, along with photographs of their son and goodwill messages.
Tipperary mayor Cllr Anna Halligan was wearing one of a number of T-shirts specially designed for the occasion. "It's hugely disappointing for everyone and especially for Denis's family, who are very well respected locally," she said. "As far as I'm concerned Denis is still a winner though. He got to this stage in the Olympics because of sheer hard work and dedication and we will be affording him a civic reception the next time he is home."
The second eldest of three children, Denis Lynch left Ireland 14 years ago for Germany, where he runs his own horse schooling yard with his wife Simone. The couple, who met when Lynch was 21, have a four-year-old daughter, Sarah.
When growing up in Tipperary town Lynch didn't have his own horse, so he helped out in local stables to get a ride. Holidays and weekends were spent in Kilross with local horse trainers, while he also hunted with the Scarteens and rode in point to points.
As a youngster his sights were set on becoming a national hunt racing jockey, but because of his size he concentrated on showjumping. Earlier this year he won the Grand Prix in Rome, the global tour event in Doha and the opening Samsung Super League Grand Prix at La Baule.
Local independent Cllr Brendan Lonergan was also in Lowrey's pub yesterday.
"Denis was proud of where he came from and proud to represent the Irish flag. This is very disappointing for everybody," said Cllr Lonergan.
When asked in the magazine interview what was his advice for young people, he said: "Never give up, no matter what anyone says."