PATRICK Hassett came from a generation of all-rounders, sadly no longer to be found. A fine hurler, a sporting jockey, a keen hunting man and an outstanding veterinary surgeon. He was all of the above, but he was so much more.

A convivial companion, very well read, he devoured books on Irish history and the poetry of Yeats, Heaney and Kavanagh. Any local success or important events were marked by a new poem from Paddy, who would perform his latest masterpiece post a hunt or point-to-point, but on a once-off basis. Above all, he was a friend to all who knew him.