THE death took place last Monday of Tom Monaghan, also of The Cottage Stud, at the great age of 97.

Renowned as the founder of the iconic Monaghan’s Cashmere, just off Grafton Street in 1960 and almost certainly the longest serving retailer in Dublin, if not Ireland, Tom Monaghan was the consummate businessman. He had a sharp eye for quality, attention to detail, old world manners and his approach to customer service was an example to all.

A most lovely man who was impeccably dressed and with a ready smile, he was always interested in others. He was fortunate to enjoy a long, healthy life and until recent weeks would attend his business almost every day. A visit to Monaghan’s was a haven for many in the racing/bloodstock world.

Apart from his beloved wife Tess (recently deceased) and their family, Tom’s other great interest was bloodstock. In 1981, he bred Ahohoney, twice the winner of the Group 3 Prix Fille de l’Air at Saint-Cloud and she became the first group winner by the then emerging sire sensation Ahonoora.

In 1985 Tom Monaghan established The Cottage Stud near Kilcock. His new enterprise quickly struck gold as the breeder of Miss Boniface (Tap On Wood), who won the 1988 Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Further fame as a Group 1 breeder soon arrived when Ezzoud (Last Tycoon) won both the Eclipse Stakes and the International Stakes at York in 1994 for Maktoum Al Maktoum and Michael Stoute.

More Royal Ascot success as a breeder followed in 2015 when Trip To Paris won the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup in partnership with his son Paul.

A proud Galway native, Tom enjoyed a lifelong friendship with fellow Connaught men Bernard Cooke and Tom Brennan, both noted breeders.

He was never afraid to follow his instincts and put a horse in training, especially if it did not make what he believed was its worth at sale. His trainers included John Oxx, Dermot Weld and Mark Johnston.

Tom Monaghan was a remarkable man and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

V.C.