Kieran Kelly
Born on June 25 1978, Kieran Kelly was the first jump jockey to be killed on an Irish racecourse since Cork-born Jim Lombard died in hospital some weeks after a fall at the 1986 Punchestown Festival.
Born on June 25 1978, Kieran Kelly was the first jump jockey to be killed on an Irish racecourse since Cork-born Jim Lombard died in hospital some weeks after a fall at the 1986 Punchestown Festival.
Riding Dessie Hughes' horse Balmy Native at Kilbeggan, he came down at the fifth fence from home, the horse rolling on top of him. Aged 25, he died four days later on August 12, 2003.
Riding Dessie Hughes' horse Balmy Native at Kilbeggan, he came down at the fifth fence from home, the horse rolling on top of him. Aged 25, he died four days later on August 12, 2003.
More than 1,000 people packed the village church for the funeral at Derrinturn, near Carbury, Co Kildare. More stood outside to hear the service through loudspeakers.
More than 1,000 people packed the village church for the funeral at Derrinturn, near Carbury, Co Kildare. More stood outside to hear the service through loudspeakers.
Joining the queue to sign a book of condolence were members of racing's role of honour, jockeys, owners and trainers.
Joining the queue to sign a book of condolence were members of racing's role of honour, jockeys, owners and trainers.
Paying their respects were reigning champion jockey Paul Carberry, Richard Hughes, Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Norman Williamson, Ted Walsh, Frank Berry, Aidan O'Brien, Tony McCoy, Barry Geraghty and Charlie Swan.
Paying their respects were reigning champion jockey Paul Carberry, Richard Hughes, Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Norman Williamson, Ted Walsh, Frank Berry, Aidan O'Brien, Tony McCoy, Barry Geraghty and Charlie Swan.
Kieran's parents John and Bridie led the mourners followed by sisters Bridget, Catriona and Ann and his twin Colette. His brothers Sean, Peter and Noel helped carry the coffin.
Kieran's parents John and Bridie led the mourners followed by sisters Bridget, Catriona and Ann and his twin Colette. His brothers Sean, Peter and Noel helped carry the coffin.
His girlfriend Mary carried the light blue jersey he wore in his Cheltenham win on Hardy Eustace.
His girlfriend Mary carried the light blue jersey he wore in his Cheltenham win on Hardy Eustace.
Colette carried the whip, while other family members carried his cap and photo.
Colette carried the whip, while other family members carried his cap and photo.
Kieran's boss and friend Dessie Hughes paid an emotional tribute and said: "We all watched him change from being a young lad to a man full of ambition. He came to work for us in 1991 but soon became one of the family. I have lost a great friend."
Kieran's boss and friend Dessie Hughes paid an emotional tribute and said: "We all watched him change from being a young lad to a man full of ambition. He came to work for us in 1991 but soon became one of the family. I have lost a great friend."
Holding back tears he also paid tribute to Kieran's good humour and great wit.
Holding back tears he also paid tribute to Kieran's good humour and great wit.
Father Tom Dooley who said the mass told how Kieran was a good member of the community and how locals were so proud of his career.
Father Tom Dooley who said the mass told how Kieran was a good member of the community and how locals were so proud of his career.
He said: "Everyone took pleasure in his achievements during his short life. News of Kieran's death was a shock to all who knew him.
He said: "Everyone took pleasure in his achievements during his short life. News of Kieran's death was a shock to all who knew him.
"We could scarcely believe it then and we can scarcely believe it now. A bright light has been extinguished. The whole racing fraternity has suffered a sad loss. Very quietly we here in Carbury were proud of all of his 122 wins.
"We could scarcely believe it then and we can scarcely believe it now. A bright light has been extinguished. The whole racing fraternity has suffered a sad loss. Very quietly we here in Carbury were proud of all of his 122 wins.
"From his first one in Tipperary in 1996 on Angel Of Heaven to his triumph in March at Cheltenham."
"From his first one in Tipperary in 1996 on Angel Of Heaven to his triumph in March at Cheltenham."
Father Dooley added that despite the sadness of the day, mourners should take heart that: "Kieran loved what he was doing."
Father Dooley added that despite the sadness of the day, mourners should take heart that: "Kieran loved what he was doing."