COOLMORE stalwart Joe O’Dwyer passed away last Sunday at the age of 64 after a short illness. Joe started at Coolmore in 1982, on the very same day as Aidan Archdeacon, and the pair became both business partners and lifelong friends.

In the intervening years, Joe hardly ever missed a day until his health began to decline towards the end of 2015. A renowned horseman, every mare and foal in his yard benefitted from the best possible care and countless young people gained invaluable experience under his guidance. But while nothing was ever missed and everything done to the highest standard, time was always made for a cup of tea and some friendly banter with nobody escaping his caustic wit.

Joe’s role at Coolmore involved caring for blue-blooded mares visiting from the likes of Juddmonte Farms with the mighty Frankel amongst the foals to have come under his watchful eye.

However his true passion was for National Hunt racing, and nothing gave him greater satisfaction than when Rock On Ruby, bred by his brother John, landed the Champion Hurdle.

An avid reader of The Irish Field, a copy lay at the end of his coffin as he reposed at Ballyclerihan House where he lived throughout his life. Mourners at his funeral on Wednesday included Goffs’ chief executive Henry Beeby, who said: “I worked under Joe for a few months during my time at Coolmore in 1985. He was the classic example of hard but fair in that he worked us hard but always had a smile and time for everyone. In the intervening 30 years I only met him a few times but we always had a chat and a bit of banter. He really was a lovely man and I learned a huge amount from him.”

Ballyhane Stud owner Joe Foley said: “I worked under Joe in Coolmore many years ago. Looking back now he taught me a lot. A brilliant horseman, he demanded the highest standards but was a very fair person.”

Coolmore’s Christy Grassick said: “Joe was a gifted horseman, a true gentleman and a wonderful teacher. He will be very sorely missed.”