'He'll be a great loss to the game' - trainer and breeder Ronnie O'Neill dies at age of 74

Popular trainer and breeder Ronnie O'Neill of Whytemount Stud has died at the age of 74 following a long illness.

O'Neill was arguably best known for standing Stowaway, who has sired multiple Cheltenham Festival winners including Monkfish, Champagne Fever and Put The Kettle On and was also a former champion National Hunt sire, as well as the busiest sire in Europe at one stage. So, too, was O'Neill's Affinisea in 2021.

O'Neill served his apprenticeship as a trainer with Phonsie O'Brien and later went to Paddy Mullins, and also rode winners as a jockey. In 2011, he sent out smart front-runner Rory O'Moore to finish second to subsequent Gold Cup winner Don Cossack in a Grade 2 bumper at Navan.

His breeding exploits were recognised at the 2018 Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association awards, where he picked up the National Hunt Achievement award.

O'Neill's daughter Rachel has been trainer Shark Hanlon's partner and head lass for the last two decades. O'Neill is also survived by wife Linda, other daughters Charmaine, Debbie and Lorraine, as well as sons Paul and John.

Hanlon said: "He was such a gentleman and had time for everyone. He was a great help to the smaller stables all around the country and I could not speak highly enough of him. He was a lovely, lovely man and will be a great loss to the game.

"I've known him a long time through Rachel obviously and I couldn't say a bad word about him. He was one of the good guys and we will all miss him terribly."

O'Neill will repose at his residence (Eircode R95 KW01) on Sunday, October 20 from 2pm to 8pm, with his funeral arriving at St Mary's Church, Kells on Monday, October 21 for service at noon. His burial will take place afterwards at the adjacent cemetery. The house will be private on Monday morning.