Billy Parkinson
Born in Tramore, William (Billy) J. Parkinson, eldest son Senator J. J. Parkinson, the well-known Curragh trainer, died on Monday, 22 December 1941, aged 46, at his home in Bray, County Wicklow, leaving a widow, Rose, and two children.
Born in Tramore, William (Billy) J. Parkinson, eldest son Senator J. J. Parkinson, the well-known Curragh trainer, died on Monday, 22 December 1941, aged 46, at his home in Bray, County Wicklow, leaving a widow, Rose, and two children.
His death, from a sudden heart attack, came as a complete shock to his many admirers.
His death, from a sudden heart attack, came as a complete shock to his many admirers.
For a number of years, Billy had been in the top flight of amateur jockeys, heading the list of winning jockeys, both professional and amateur, on three occasions; 1914, 1915 & 1916.
For a number of years, Billy had been in the top flight of amateur jockeys, heading the list of winning jockeys, both professional and amateur, on three occasions; 1914, 1915 & 1916.
He rode his first winner, Feugalsit at Mullingar, in 1914 and with forty successes, headed that year's winning list. The following year he rode seventy-two winners, a total which remained unbeaten for ten years. In 1915, Billy enjoyed fifty-one victories.
He rode his first winner, Feugalsit at Mullingar, in 1914 and with forty successes, headed that year's winning list. The following year he rode seventy-two winners, a total which remained unbeaten for ten years. In 1915, Billy enjoyed fifty-one victories.
He twice rode five winners out of six at Tramore: in 1914 he scored on Tramore Hay, Flying Man, Hitaway, Fair Mac and Glenins before being beaten by a head on Mr Julia.
He twice rode five winners out of six at Tramore: in 1914 he scored on Tramore Hay, Flying Man, Hitaway, Fair Mac and Glenins before being beaten by a head on Mr Julia.
In 1915, he won on First Shot, Ulster Hall, Welshtown, Mr Julia and Tramore Bay before once again being beaten a head in the last.
In 1915, he won on First Shot, Ulster Hall, Welshtown, Mr Julia and Tramore Bay before once again being beaten a head in the last.
His father excelled no less in his chosen field, saddling five winners on the day of a Derby meeting at Epsom. His winners, all ridden by John Thompson, were Americus Girl, Wedding Ring, William Penn, Well Done and Decidedly.
His father excelled no less in his chosen field, saddling five winners on the day of a Derby meeting at Epsom. His winners, all ridden by John Thompson, were Americus Girl, Wedding Ring, William Penn, Well Done and Decidedly.
By the time of his death, Billy had quit the saddle (through increasing weight) to become a trainer.
By the time of his death, Billy had quit the saddle (through increasing weight) to become a trainer.
After Mass at St Conleth's Church, Droichead Nua, Billy was buried at the New Cemetery.
After Mass at St Conleth's Church, Droichead Nua, Billy was buried at the New Cemetery.