THERE was profound shock and widespread sadness throughout the Irish equestrian community and beyond at the tragic death of talented young horseman Jonathan Fitzpatrick (23) of Keatingstown House, Co Kilkenny, in a road accident, last weekend.

A dedicated young man, Jonathan was driving to his yearling prep job at Yeomanstown Stud early on Saturday morning on the N7 near Rathcoole when tragedy struck.

News of the terrible accident spread quickly at the RDS amid an outpouring of grief and sympathy for Jonathan and his well known and highly regarded family.

The beloved son of Sharon and Joe, Jonathan was also a great brother to James, Susan and Killian. He is also survived by his loving grandparents John and Agatha Butler, grand-aunts Mary McNamara and Sr. Patricia Butler as well as an extended circles of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

During his short life, Jonathan’s talent and eye for a good horse was apparent to all who met him. Many will recall these particular qualities when he spotted and bought the brilliant young Ard Ginger Pop at Goresbridge who later went on to win a silver medal at Lanaken, a wonderful testament to a rare talent indeed.

An enormous congregation of mourners attended St Canice’s Church on Wednesday for his Funeral Mass and surrounded by his family and friends, Jonathan was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.

The O’Callaghan family and all the staff at Yeomanstown Stud this week expressed their heartfelt condolences to Sharon, Joe, Susan, James and Killian Fitzpatrick on the untimely passing of Jonathan.

“Enthusiastic, hard working and always good humoured, he was a friend to us all and will be sadly missed,” said the O’Callaghan family.