COOLMORE stalwart Joe O’Dwyer passed away last Sunday at the age of 64 after a short illness. Joe started at Coolmore in 1982, on the very same day as Aidan Archdeacon, and the pair became both business partners and lifelong friends.

In the intervening years, Joe hardly ever missed a day until his health began to decline towards the end of 2015. A renowned horseman, every mare and foal in his yard benefitted from the best possible care and countless young people gained invaluable experience under his guidance. But while nothing was ever missed and everything done to the highest standard, time was always made for a cup of tea and some friendly banter with nobody escaping his caustic wit.