CORNELIUS Albert Ryan was born in Cashel on July 11th 1930. He was brought up on the family farm at Mount Judkin just outside Cashel, which used to form part of Cashel racecourse and held racing from 1751 to 1917. For many years after that point-to-points were held there.

Con was educated at Rockwell College. He was always involved with horses and rode winners as an amateur. He then went to work for W.J. Kelly at Palmerstown House in Kildare. It was there that he met Peggy, Mr. Kelly’s daughter.

They were married in 1951 and following a brief residency in Balheary in Co. Dublin, Con and Peggy Ryan made their home at Dolly’s Grove in Dunboyne in 1953.

In 1962 Skymaster retired to Dolly’s Grove after a successful career as a sprinter, racing in the colours of W.J. Kelly. As a sire he had a successful career as a leading sprint stallion, siring many notable performers such as Sky Gypsy, Be Friendly, Sky Diver, Apollo Nine, Roi Soleil and many more.

Dolly’s Grove Stud is part of a hugely successful region of Co. Meath/Co. Kildare known as “the Golden Triangle”, consisting of Owenstown, Moyglare, Moygaddy, Ballymacoll, Killarkin and Woodpark Studs, which have successfully bred Group 1 winners. Con and Peggy Ryan at Dolly’s Grove Stud were no exception where they bred the 1978 2000 Guineas winner Roland Gardens, as well as Sexton Blake and Anjuli, the dam of Kooyonga.

For many years Con was a highly respected vendor at Tattersalls with horses that were bred and raised at Dolly’s Grove.

Con was the recipient of a number of I.T.B.A awards over the years for his breeding successes and was a prominent member of the I.T.B.A Meath Region. One of his fellow Meath breeders Joe Clarke says Con was one of the most outstanding horsemen he had dealings with in all his years as a practising veterinary surgeon. Other quotations since his demise are “a gentleman to his fingertips” – Jimmy McCartan, and “there was no conversation that was not brightened by the mention of Con Ryan’s name” – Richard Hutch.

He also became involved in a successful Irish company Stallion Investments Limited (founded in 1978). He, together with Edmund Loder, the late Alan Lillingston, the late Willie O’Rourke, the late Joe McGrath and chaired by the late Michael McStay, sourced stallions suitable for the Irish market.

Dolly’s Grove was sold in 1990 and Con and Peggy retired to a house in Batterstown, Co. Meath. Con became a consultant to Ballymacoll Stud and advised them for the last 25 years on their yearlings and foals.

Con’s wife Peggy passed away five years ago. They were married for 61 years and they had six children: Patricia, Michael, Peter, Donal, Conor and Kate. Con had been ill for some time before his death and was lovingly minded by his daughter Kate at his home initially, and subsequently at a retirement home in Maynooth. There are grandchildren and great-grandchildren between Ireland, the UK and USA.

Con was of great assistance to me at Ballymacoll with his advice and general input and was a major part of the annual inspection by Michael Stoute of the latest stock. As the old adage goes “with time comes wisdom”.

I am unlikely to meet his like again and I am so grateful for the privilege of having Con at my side for over 40 years. Nothing was ever too much trouble for this man who was a true gentleman and who never minded freely giving advice. I shall miss him greatly.

PNR