THE small parish church in Manister near Croom in Co Limerick was packed to capacity yesterday morning when many from the Irish racing fraternity travelled to pay their last respects to the much loved, record-breaking amateur jockey J.T. McNamara.

The 41-year-old died at his home in Croom on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family, his wife Caroline and children Dylan, Harry and Olivia.

Following a devastating fall at Cheltenham in 2013, J.T. was left paralysed from the neck down. He had spent the last three years battling his injuries, determined to carry on and working as a trainer from his wheelchair. His health deteriorated sharply last weekend and he spent his final days at home in Croom where friends and family had a chance to say goodbye.

Cannon Garry Bluett, former parish priest at Manister and close family friend, celebrated the funeral mass. He invited the congregation to take solace in the fact that “John is now at rest and at peace, reconciled to faith and God.”

He described J.T. as “Prince of Manister, a kind and generous soul, may he rest in peace.”

Jockeys formed a guard of honour as his coffin was brought into the church and his three children each placed a white rose on the coffin. Delivering a prayer of the faithful, his son Harry said: “Thank you God for my Dad. We ask the angels to take good care of you. We love you, Dad. Lord, hear us.”

Caroline McNamara told the congregation: “You always knew where you stood with John. He was straight, witty, honest and extremely direct. Never more so than on the birth of our second child, Harry. He was more concerned about how long the labour was going to take as he needed to be in Punchestown that afternoon to ride L’Ami.”

She said their children were grateful for the last three years and four months they had to build precious memories with their Dad. “Despite his injuries John continued to set goals, his main one being to return to Croom and his yard where he enjoyed a short-lived independence.”

Caroline thanked everyone who had supported them throughout her husband’s illness, particularly the Irish Injured Jockeys, the Turf Club and Injured Jockeys Fund in the UK.

Among the congregation were J.P. McManus, A.P. McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Enda Bolger, Jonjo O’Neill and Frank Berry. The point-to-point community was also well represented.

CHAMPION RIDER

Champion point-to-point rider on five occasions, J.T. rode 602 winners between the flags, a record at that time. He won four races at the Cheltenham Festival, three in the silks of owner J.P. McManus who was a great supporter of the top amateur.

Following his life-changing injuries which left him paralysed from the neck down, he was initially treated in Britain before being transferred to the spinal unit of the Mater Hospital, Dublin, and eventually moving to the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Southport.

He returned to his Co Limerick home two years ago and had begun to establish a breaking and training operation at his Croom yard, although he required constant care.

Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said: “He was superbly treated for the last two years by Rathkeale GP Tom Curtin, the homecare team and of course his wife Caroline and her mum Phil. Thanks to them J.T. had a good quality of life and was out in the yard with his horses as recently as last weekend.”

JOHN THOMAS McNAMARA

Born: April 8th, 1975

PTP wins: 602

Champion PTP Rider: Five times

Cheltenham Festival winners: Rith Dubh (2002 NH Chase), Teaforthree (2012 NH Chase), Spot Thedifference (2005 Cross Country), Drombeag (2007 Foxhunters)

Other major racecourse winners: Like-A-Butterfly (Punchestown Champion Bumper), On The Fringe (Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase twice), Risk Of Thunder (La Touche Cup), Rockstown Boy (GPT Handicap). He had 16 winners at Cheltenham Racecourse.

TRIBUTES

“He was a great friend, through good times and bad. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of all J.T.’s closest friends, I’d like to thank his wife Caroline and her mother Phil for getting him home, for all they’ve done, and buying us the extra time we had with J.T. We’ll miss him.”

– Liam Healy

“I was privileged to ride alongside him and he taught me one or two tricks along the way. We kept in touch and I often found he had all the news before the rest of us. It was great to know him and have him as a friend.” - James ‘Corky’ Carroll

“J.T. and I went to Cheltenham together every year. Both of us were non-drinkers and we always got on great. He was a very special person. I’ll miss him terribly. He had two great women, Caroline and Phil, around him since he got hurt. They are fantastic people.” – Mikey Joe Cregan

“He fought a great battle. We had a lot of great days together and those are what I’ll remember him for. He was an incredible horseman. I know the last three years have been hell for him and his family and if there is a heaven, he’ll be the first one in, that’s for sure.” - Enda Bolger

“A nicer fellow you couldn’t wish to meet. He was in great form up until maybe a week ago and he’s fought a great fight. The boss [J.P. McManus] and him and myself had so many great days together.” – Frank Berry

“He was a remarkable man. He was a little bit like me - he could be grumpy enough at times, but was very good humoured. He was fantastic, a brilliant rider. His ride on Rith Dubh at the Cheltenham Festival was as good as you’ll ever see.” – Sir A.P. McCoy

“He showed his true strength having to deal with this injury over the past few years. If you visited him, before you’d know it an hour had passed. The conversation always flowed and there was never any self pity. He could hold his own amongst professionals and was better than most. Nothing fazed J.T. He was cool as a breeze.” – Barry Geraghty

“He was a hero, there’s no doubt about it. He was a legend in his own lifetime even though it was a short one. We will all miss him desperately but let’s celebrate his wonderful life because that’s what we should be doing. And I’m sure God has probably got him as first jockey up there this morning.” – Frankie Ward

“He displayed the same bravery through illness that he was renowned for on the track. His passing is a frightening reminder of the risks that riders put themselves through for our sport. J.T. is at peace now and our deepest sympathies go to Caroline, Dylan, Harry and Olivia and all of J.T.’s extended family.” - Andrew Coonan