T. O'Donnell
A dozen runners turned out for the Prince of Wales's Plate run at Punchestown on Tuesday, April 21, 1903, including Royal Drake, Mr J. Ryan's five-year-old ridden by T. O'Donnell.
A dozen runners turned out for the Prince of Wales's Plate run at Punchestown on Tuesday, April 21, 1903, including Royal Drake, Mr J. Ryan's five-year-old ridden by T. O'Donnell.
Royal Drake came 'a fearful cropper' at the double, giving its jockey the most dreadful of falls. O'Donnell died a short time later in the arms of a priest, who had witnessed the accident and then rendered such spiritual comfort that was possible in the circumstances.
Royal Drake came 'a fearful cropper' at the double, giving its jockey the most dreadful of falls. O'Donnell died a short time later in the arms of a priest, who had witnessed the accident and then rendered such spiritual comfort that was possible in the circumstances.
The body of the 33-year-old jockey, who was a native of Kilrush, was later conveyed there by train for interment.
The body of the 33-year-old jockey, who was a native of Kilrush, was later conveyed there by train for interment.
O'Donnell's was the first fatality at Punchestown since Willie Beasley was killed at the same obstacle in May, 1892.
O'Donnell's was the first fatality at Punchestown since Willie Beasley was killed at the same obstacle in May, 1892.