RONNIE O’Neill, master of Whytemount Stud in Kells, Co Kilkenny, died peacefully in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, yesterday (Friday). He was 74 and had been unwell for some time.

O’Neill began standing National Hunt stallions in the 1990s and enjoyed incredible success with Stowaway, who became champion National Hunt sire and at one time was the busiest sire in Europe, covering over 300 mares in a season. That title again went to Whytemount in 2021 thanks to Affinisea.

Among the best horses bred by Ronnie himself are Grade 1 winners Champagne Fever and Outlander.

This year the stud stood Affinisea, Behesht, Feel Like Dancing, Manatee and Mojo Star.

Ronnie, who also rode and trained winners, is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Charmaine, Debbie, Rachel, Lorraine, and sons Paul and John. Rachel is Shark Hanlon’s partner and mother of Sean and Paddy Hanlon.

In 2018 Ronnie O'Neill was honoured by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association with the National Hunt Achievement Award.

The deceased is reposing at his residence, (Eircode R95 KW01) on Sunday from 2pm to 8pm.

Funeral arriving to St Mary’s Church, Kells on Monday for service at noon. Burial will follow afterwards in the adjacent cemetery.

The family has requested privacy at home on Monday morning.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DEATH NOTICE

https://rip.ie/death-notice/ronnie-oneill-kilkenny-kells-572028