Leo Sheil

Leonard Sheil, by profession a solicitor, also maintained a high-class training establishment at Greenmount, Clonsilla. He was critically injured at Navan on 14 March 1899 when Dunlough, a horse he was riding for Mr P. J. Dunne, fell and, it seemed to onlookers, rolled upon him three distinct times as the horse struggled to find its feet before being seized by the crowd. He was immediately conveyed in the Viceregal carriage of Countess Cadogan to Dr Frank Sullivan's home nearby.

So serious was Mr Sheil's injuries that Dr Sullivan at once telegraphed the eminent surgeon, Dr McArdle who, arriving shortly after, performed a successful operation. Sadly, complications set in on the following Monday, and Leonard Sheil gradually faded.

He died from his injuries at nine 'o clock Thursday evening, 23 March.

Aged 37, he was interred in the family vault at Glasnevin.

For some years he ran and rode horses under the nom de course of 'Mr Falls' and very rapidly gained distinction as a gentleman rider, heading the winning list on four occasions, including the previous year.

During his career he met with a couple of severe falls, but shook off their effects in a marvellously short time. He counted Lord Cadogan among his patrons.

The thirty chasers stabled at Greemount, where he had lived since 1893, were removed as the training yard was broken up.

Familiarly known as Lennie, he had married Miss Maher, of Closilla, a few years earlier. She had borne him three children.