THE death of Dr Fitz Gillespie last Sunday came as a sad shock to his family, the racing and equestrian worlds and the local community whom he had served as General Practitioner since taking over from his father in 1964. He had qualified six years earlier.

“I had supper outside with Dad on Saturday evening and he just slipped away overnight,” said son Patrick who, like his father, rode and trained. “He was always determined that in later life he would never to do three things which were to sleep downstairs, go around in a wheelchair or go to hospital – and he never did.”

Fitz, who was 88 and a long-serving member of the Turf Club/IHRB, is also survived by his daughter Gael, son Rollo, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by wives Dr Barbara, who he met while studying medicine in Trinity, and Lady Janey.

He rode successfully both on the track and between the flags throughout his years in Dublin, his ability to get around the country being aided by the fact that, unlike most of his age at that time, he owned a car, a much-loved Ford Anglia.

Master

Once settled back home in Tynan, Co Armagh, where he worked in the local practice for 44 years, Fitz also followed his father’s footsteps into the role of Master of the Tynan & Armagh Harriers in 1964 and he took over as chairman during a turbulent time for the hunt. This was also a turbulent time in Northern Ireland and Patrick remembers his father employing the same tactics to diffuse both local situations. “Dad always said it was important to get people to talk and that’s what he did.”

Agent

Through his mother Queenie, Fitz was a nephew of the legendary Dublin bloodstock agent Jack White who provided him with many horses. Most notable among these was the Kentucky-bred Duplate with whom he won the hunt race at the Tynan & Armagh point-to-point at Farmacaffley three times in the early 1970s. He repeated this feat as an owner in 2005 to 2007 with a homebred Abednego gelding, Allthree, who was ridden by J.D. Moore.

Another aunt, Sheila, was married to the renowned Co Tipperary veterinary surgeon Jack ‘Ginger’ Powell and although some years his junior, their son John, was a great friend of Fitz.

John had many a good tale to tell this week of ‘The Wee Doctor’ who he said was “the same open, genial man to all … He was always impeccably turned-out and the essence of good humour and politeness”.

On hearing the news of the death of Dr Gillespie, who was awarded an MBE for services to racing in Queen Elizabeth’s 2008 New Year’s Honours List, Denis Egan, CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, led the online tributes as he wrote: “A real gentleman and a huge loss to the sport. May he rest in peace.” Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “Sorry to hear this sad news. Always a gentleman to meet and have any dealings with.”

Among others who have since paid tribute to Dr Gillespie was Ballyash stud owner and former HRI board member John Kidd: “Fitz was one of nature’s gentlemen and everyone loved him. He was a true amateur in his day, a popular doctor and he kept point-to-pointing and hunting going in some tough times locally.”

Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and a former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Northern Ireland executive, tweeted: “So sorry to hear of the passing of respected GP, Dr Fitz Gillespie. Fitz delivered me at home & was our local GP for yrs. Lobbied me about Horse Racing Industry whilst treating me! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions, Dr Fitz Gillespie’s funeral was strictly private, but a memorial service will be held at a later date. The Irish Field offers its sincere condolences to his family.

MMcL