FORMER amateur rider Pat Curran passed away three days before Christmas at just 56 years of age.

Originally from Goresbridge and more recently living in Old Leighlin, Pat came from a family of National Hunt jockeys. His father and his grandfather claimed Irish Grand National success and rode for the late Paddy Mullins. Pat’s brother Sean is recognised as a very shrewd trainer in England, while his sister Dolores is involved in racing in America. His brother Matt also worked for Paddy Mullins.

Pat began his amateur career with P.P. Hogan and competed for rides with the brilliant Enda Bolger and the late Roger Hurley. P.P. would refer to Pat as “the little boy” and gave him plenty of winners, often putting him up on a horse who was due to be sold so that “the little boy” could be blamed if the horse lost. Pat loved this arrangement. He also rode winners for his friend Lukie Pender, who Pat could mimic to perfection.

P.P. would send Pat to Dermot Weld for the summer but he was summoned back to Limerick every autumn.

Later in his career Pat spent some time working for Jim Bolger and rode numerous winners for him, including Sylvan Place and Plato. Jim was kind enough to send a set of colours to the funeral in recognition of Pat’s ties to that yard.

Pat also spent some time with Shark Hanlon and two years with Willie Mullins more recently. He took a huge interest in pony racing and loved spending time with the O’Connor family in Liscarroll. He closely followed the career of leading rider Dylan O’Connor.

Pat suffered from ill health for a period of time but never lost his ability to laugh and tell a yarn. It was said he never left the truth get in the way of a good story.

He was known for his gentle approach to animals especially his horses and dogs. He had a curious sixth sense as to when all was not well with an animal.

Pat enjoyed a pint, a bet and meeting his wide circle of friends. The crowds at Pat’s funeral were testimony to his popularity wherever he went.

He is survived by his partner Imelda, children Emily, Conor, Dylan and Thomas, stepson Adam, brothers Sean and Matt and sister Dolores, and his wider family. He will be sorely missed by all.

The Mercy Hospital in Cork and his wider medical team, including Dr Helly, did their best to keep him with us, for which we are extremely grateful.

May he rest in peace.

I.L.