THERE was much sadness this week in the Irish equestrian world when news of the passing of Peter Molloy filtered through.

Peter, of Rockbrook, at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, passed away peacefully last Saturday (January 21st) at Tallaght Hospital after bravely fighting a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Throughout his life, Peter was steeped in knowledge of equines and cattle and an enthusiast of everything equine from National Hunt racing to show ponies and country shows.

Very well known through his 50 plus years of involvement with the sector, Peter served as an IPS judge, a course builder, a stalwart of the Irish show jumping pony scene, and was a good friend to many people throughout the years.

He was the resident course builder at Charleville Agricultural Show for a number of years and was very proud of all the success stories involving Irish-bred ponies, riders and producers who came up through the ranks, some of whom went right up to Olympic level.

Last August Peter judged his final show at Clarecastle, marking the end of his long and excellent service as a judge which saw him officiate at shows right across the country as well as the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham.

The beloved husband of Eileen and adored father of David, Linda, Ann, Deborah, Mark and Róisín, Peter will be sadly missed by his loving family, daughters-in-law Wendy and Emer, grandchildren Lorcán, Conall, Emér, Shane and Hugh, his brother John and sisters Rita, Pauline, Nuala, Eileen, sisters-in-law, brothers-in- law, nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his sister Roseleen.

His funeral service took place at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel on Wednesday with burial afterwards to Cruagh Cemetery. Donations can be made if desired to the Irish Cancer Society.

May he rest in peace.

A full tribute to Peter Molloy will appear in a future issue of Irish Horse World