HILLSIDE Sylvia (Fort Fineen-Winning Trick), foaled in 1976, was a black Connemara 13.2hh mare, bred by James Lee in Moycullen, who sold her to John’s father Martin Fitzpatrick from Hillside, Mullingar.

Martin’s name is fondly remembered for his expertise with work horses and ploughing and it is said he could write his name with a plough. Sadly Martin passed away in 1983.