FOR Des, it was never just “all creatures great and small”. It was also “all people, great and small”. It made no difference if you were a blue blood with a pedigree acreage to match, or whether you had neither. Everyone received his care in equal measure.

The Co Wexford native’s smile was like a lighthouse. It guided you to him and safety, the certain knowledge that not only were you in the hands of someone who cared, but in the hands of an expert. He was an expert horseman and expert equine clinician.

Des was thus acknowledged by his clientele, throughout Ireland and much further afield; one you wanted to consult and who was not afraid to consult his colleagues and bring many minds to focus on difficult veterinary challenges.

When he consulted, his depth of experience won him instant respect, even amongst those who had never met him before. He was hugely respected by his colleagues for his dedication, hard work and thirst for knowledge.

Des constantly updated the skill-set that he provided so selflessly to his extensive and incredibly loyal clientele of breeders, trainers and owners of everything from racehorses to broodmares, young stock, hunters, eventers and ponies.

He was to be found at equine conferences at home and abroad. He could also be found, in lighter moments, glass in hand surrounded by friends and colleagues, delighting them with his self-deprecating sense of humour and treasure trove of stories. He was, without doubt, one of the finest equine clinicians that Ireland has ever produced.

Des was a fundamental part of the Scarteen Hunt for all his tenure in Co Limerick, from Kilteely to Kenmare Castle, to Ballycahill and, latterly, Dooneen. A committee member and joint-treasurer with his beloved Marie, he was a regular in the field, always well mounted and well placed.

He bore responsibility readily and easily. His power of rationalisation was matched only by his power of communication, and he was known to find a solution to impossible problems.

An ally and close friend to Scarteen for three generations, Chris Ryan described himself as “privileged to have had him as best man at the wedding of Sue and I; he was also godfather to our son Tadhg. Des has been responsible for the best of our horse acquisitions and kept these horses at the very top of their form for many seasons. He came with the best veterinary advice, but also personalised it so that it was always a team effort.”

Luke Lillingston summed Des up succinctly and accurately. “Suffice to say he was hugely talented, a very special human being, and loved by all who know him.”

We are the richer for having met him and, like his beloved Marie, Sabrina, Sandra and family, we are all the poorer for his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

D.L, C.R, L.L