Clodagh, wife of Martin Curran and devoted mother to Hannah; sister of Rosemary and Claire and brothers, Dermot and Alan, aunt to Adrian and Sarah, was taken from this world at the young age of 46 after a 16-month struggle with cancer which she fought with such dignity, positivity and determination.

Born into the Connors family in Bellard, Stradbally, Clodagh could not escape a life associated with horses. Her late father, Nicholas, bred and produced show hunters, a tradition carried on by his daughters. After Clodagh hurt her back in a fall, she took on the role of showing the young horses in-hand. As Dermot said in his beautiful eulogy, “Clodagh was the right height” for the job, showing horses off to their full potential and earning numerous wins. The highlight had to be winning the RDS Young Horse Supreme Champion with the three-year-old filly Woodfield Valier - the first time in history a filly won the supreme championship - who later went on to win the Ridden Horse Supreme Champion.

While working in Dungarvan, Clodagh met her partner Martin Curran and together they set up home at Castleview Stables, Fenor, where she hunted and became a follower of the Kill Harriers and bred and produced young horses. In 2007, Hannah was born much to the delight of her proud parents. Clodagh was an amazing and devoted mother to Hannah and a rock of support to Martin over the years.

There was nothing Clodagh couldn't do, whether it was things to be done in the house, DIY or technology. She was a wonderful baker and cook and her picnics were famous around the country for providing sustenance to everyone at shows wherever she went. She would be busy weeks in advance of the Dublin Horse Show each year, baking lasagnes and cakes of every variety. One particular day an elderly man sat down in the popular Connors tackroom when tea was being served and, after being satisfactorily replenished, enquired how much he owed! Everyone was so delighted at his affirmation of Clodagh’s spread that he was invited back the next day and the day after that.

Clodagh loved travelling and frequently holidayed in Southern Spain, enjoyed skiing holidays with Martin and Hannah and was a regular visitor to family in South Africa. As soon as she returned from one holiday she booked her next trip. Perhaps she sensed that there was little time for her to see all the places she wished to visit.

On Valentine's day this year, Clodagh married Martin, her long term partner, no doubt one of the happiest days of her life and a memorable one for both families.

Clodagh will always be remembered for her endless selflessness and kindness, hospitality, intelligence and sharp wit. She loved practical jokes and had a great sense of humour. Also known for her short temper, Clodagh could rise to the occasion but moments later all would be forgotten. She loved life and was always looking forward to getting back to work and beating her illness. She remained positive to the bitter end.

In our sorrow, we take comfort in the blessing that Clodagh was to us in her short life. Her presence and light continue to shine even on the darker days.