WHEN saying ‘thank you’, it can be hard to find a place to start, so I shall go back to the beginning.

To my five brothers who were a major part of my ‘education’ in life, from schooling sessions to getting me into nightclubs and the odd bit of trouble.

My late Dad, Tommy, who was a constant source of advice, encouragement and gave me my first ride and many great winners.

My Mum, Pamela, who dedicated her time endlessly between all her children and drove me thousands of miles every weekend throughout my pony racing days. You are a great Mum and a great friend, and are you still there to help me when I need it, thank you.

I was 11 years old when I first met Noel Meade. He became many things to me over the years, boss, mentor, but most importantly he became a great friend and he will continue to be that for many years to come. It was a partnership that lasted my whole career and his unwavering loyalty to me is a testament to the man he is. Thanks, Noel.

All the team at Tu Va Stables. There has been loads of great days and a few bad ones but you were all major help to me and I hope to still make the Christmas party list!

To finish my career last Saturday on a Punchestown winner was a script that no one could have written. To do it for Enda, J.P. and Noreen on Josies Orders, and being led back in by Sarah Birmingham for one last time was something very, very special.

Enda took me under his wing at a young age and gave me the opportunity to ride so many great horses: Garde Champetre, Heads Onthe Ground, Freneys Well, Josies Orders and, of course, On The Fringe.

It is horses like these that make your career and I was very fortunate to be on them. Enda, you have always been very good to me. Thank you.

J.P., Noreen and the McManus family – we shared so many great days together. Thank you all very much for everything.

My husband Ted, you were a rock on the bad days and helped me celebrate the good ones. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You and Rosie mean the world to me. Your family, the Walshes have been a major part of my life and I’d like to thank them all.

It mustn’t have been easy for Paul and James Nolan to give a 5lb claimer a chance to ride a winner at Cheltenham in 2005 but I am glad you did. It put me on the map. Thanks lads.

Fairyhouse, Easter Monday, 2011. Organisedconfusion won the Irish Grand National for the Dunlop family and, of course, for my Uncle Arthur who was a constant source of help and encouragement. Thank you.

From Salford City to Don Cossack, Gordon – you were always quick to put me up when you could. Thanks for the great days. A huge thank you to Michael and Eddie from Gigginstown – you were always big supporters of mine.

To all the owners, trainers and stable staff that I worked with over the years, it was a pleasure. Thank you.

To my sponsor, O’Driscoll O’Neill, thank you very much for your support.

To all my friends who came last Saturday to help me celebrate, we have been on a great journey, girls, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each one of you.

I have received so many texts, tweets and phone calls over the last number of days, it has been overwhelming. Thank you all for your kind words. They mean a lot to me.

I will never forget the great days, the people, the places and the horses. Thank you all.

Nina