STAFF at Horse Racing Ireland, the Irish National Stud and various metropolitan racecourses were coming to terms this week with the unexpected death of former colleague Kate O’Sullivan.

Originally from Crecora in Co Limerick and living in Dublin, Kate formerly worked for HRI’s marketing department and was closely involved with Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, the Curragh and Navan during that time.

She later worked for the Irish National Stud and had recently taken a position with recycling company Re-turn. Kate attended an awards ceremony with friends and colleagues last week and fell ill on her way home.

She is survived by her husband Paddy O’Neill and their three-year-old son, George.

Very talented

Fairyhouse Racecourse manager Peter Roe said: “Kate was a very talented person with a positive attitude and lovely to work with. We are gutted by the news of her passing and our hearts go out to Paddy and George.”

Kate’s funeral Mass took place in Crecora yesterday (Friday), followed by burial in St Nicholas Cemetery, Adare.