BRIAN Fitzsimmons, a longstanding member of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee and a Steward of the Turf Club, died on Friday, May 31st.

Brian was awarded the MBE in 1996 for his service in public office – a fact unknown to the majority of his friends with only his family members aware of the honour presented by Queen Elizabeth.

The Fitzsimmons name is synonymous in Downpatrick and in the province with horse racing and point-to-points and Brian was another of the family to ride in point-to-points following in the footsteps of his father Frankie – a legendary figure in local racing and in whose memory a race was staged at Downpatrick Racecourse only last week. The best horses Brian was associated with were Bright Trick, Hopes Choice and Holly Park.

Brian was a member of the INHS Committee since 1986 and also served as a Steward of the INHS Committee for two terms 1995-1998 and then again from 2010-2013. He also served on the Licensing Committee, Appeals Committee and the Point-to-Point Committee. A minute’s silence was observed at Down Royal at the recent Friday evening meeting in his memory.

Brian was an ardent supporter of numerous charities including Riding For The Disabled, the Irish Injured Jockeys fund and Macmillan Cancer Care.

He was a quiet, reserved individual respected for his wealth of knowledge and fairness in the decisions he made in his role representing the Turf Club and in on-course enquiries.

Brian will be very sadly missed by his many friends and the Irish fraternity and condolences are extended to his wife Mary, brothers Frankie and Paddy and the large extended family circle.

R.McK.