2011

GEORGE Mernagh died on Friday, July 22nd. He was 56.

Behind that stark statement is the rich story of a life lived to the full, the story of a man who was an extraordinary horseman, and one of the greatest gentlemen to grace the turf or the show arena. George’s death leaves a large void in the professional and personal lives of many.

Many words have been used to describe George, the most often quoted in the immediate aftermath of his death being that “he was a true gentleman” and “the nicest man you could ever meet”.

Those who saw how he faced up to the greatest battle of his all too short life at close quarters will remember the bravery with which he faced his greatest fear and his sickening illness. George had so much still to offer the world. Until the end, he steadfastly refused to give in, always looking to the future.

Born on June 1st, 1955, George spent his early childhood in Wexford where his lifelong love affair with horses was to begin. After Rockwell Agricultural College he spent a time in Italy, where he worked at a famous thoroughbred stud farm, the Allevamento di Mirabello, with two friends from Ireland, including Liam Lynch. The farm stood the successful sire Gay Lussac.

Racecourse success

On his return to Ireland, George was keen to advance his equestrian education, and there were no better establishments to be associated with than Ned and Frances Cash’s yard and that of Tommy Brennan. He spent more than two years at the former and competed in show jumping and showing.

It was also there that the racing bug was caught, and George experienced success in point-to-points, riding a number of winners. Next stop was across the water and John Webber’s stable in Banbury, Oxfordshire. As much a part of the family as he was the stable jockey, George enjoyed a number of high-profile successes, notably the Midlands Grand National in 1988 with Knock Hill.

He also enjoyed victories with Auntie Dot and Townley Stone, and famously rode The Dragon Master to a 100/1 success, carrying the Waley-Cohen colours, in the Henry VII Novices’ Chase. He was succeeded in the role at the Webber’s yard by his friend Martin Lynch, for whom he was best man on his marriage to Suzanne Finn.

George’s many achievements in the show ring included a special highlight, when Parknasilla swept the boards at the Dublin Horse Show in 1999. The gelding won the four-year-old, lightweight and supreme championships with George in the saddle, and also took the side-saddle accolade for good measure.

In 1989 George joined Tattersalls Ireland at Fairyhouse, and this was to become a huge part of his professional life. A decade later he was appointed to the board, while in July 2007 he was to become their managing director. During his time there he established a rapport with vendors and purchasers that was to see the company grow in size and reputation.

As part of his brief at Fairyhouse he also oversaw the development of the complex as an equestrian hub and, not surprisingly, one of the greatest legacies he bequeaths is the establishment of the international event. He would modestly deflect any tributes paid to him for this success, always citing the team effort. While this was true, he was the inspirational leader.

Respected judge

One of the most sought after and respected judges in Ireland and Britain, George also acted as a steward at race meetings in Ireland, and was a member of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, having been elected a member in 1998.

Being taken from us at such a young age, it is not surprising that George was the recipient of few awards, but they would surely have come. He was, however, immensely proud of the silver salver he received this year from Eventing Ireland, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the sector.

Following the acquisition of The Irish Field by the Agricultural Trust, George served for some years on the advisory board, bringing a wealth of knowledge and good sense, and making a number of recommendations on coverage within the paper that were to benefit our readers.

Tributes paid to George Mernagh (1955 - 2011)

Edmond Mahony, chairman of Tattersalls: “George’s death was not only an immense loss to Tattersalls, but also marked the loss of a great personal friend. He was one of the most outstanding horsemen of his generation. He leaves a void that is impossible to fill.”

Aidan O’Brien, Ballydoyle: “He was the sort of person you meet once in a lifetime, and he was so good with people and with horses. Really, there are no words to properly describe him, and he had a very special place in our family.”

Diana Webber: “I am sure that everybody who had the privilege of knowing or meeting George would agree that he was THE most delightful person. He was like one of our family. He was a brilliant horseman and a true friend.”

Lord Carew: “George Mernagh was a very special person – kind, considerate, knowledgeable, a superb horseman and an excellent administrator. We shall all miss him greatly.”

Joe Walsh, Horse Sport Ireland: “George achieved so much in his all too short life. He was a man who made things happen, while treating everyone with respect. He had huge credibility and his integrity was beyond question. He was a gentleman to his core, and bore his illness with courage.”

Lars and Caroline Bjoerk: “George was always positive, and gave you an honest opinion when asked for advice. He never wanted anyone to go to any trouble on his behalf, and that is why all of us who knew him well would always gladly go that extra mile for him. He was uniquely special.”

Henry Beeby, Goffs: “Someone said to me at George’s funeral that the world would be a gentler place if there were more people like George, and that sums him up. He was first and foremost a gentleman, with the emphasis on the gentle.”