JOE McGowan, the former Dollanstown Stud owner who won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Burghley in 1989, was laid to rest this week after his death at the age of 83.

A prominent builder and developer, his wife, Anne-Marie, was memorably the winning owner behind Davy Lad, the 1977 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, trained by Mick O’Toole. McGowan also released the well-received memoir Clearing the Hurdles in 2019.

Originally from Tawnyinah, Charlestown, Co Mayo but residing in Foxrock, Co Dublin, McGowan passed away peacefully in St. Vincent’s Hospital.

His son Joseph told mourners at St. Mary’s Church, Sandyford on Wednesday: “He used to always say and live by the motto that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Dad had presence, personality and a remarkable ability to overcome whatever life put in his path. He was a fighter and, even in the most difficult moments, showed an extraordinary strength. We are incredibly proud of him.

“His love of sport was one of his greatest joys. He followed it with passion and excitement. He instilled the love of sport in myself and my sisters Christine and Catherine. For his last big day out, I got to bring him to the Mayo game and he got to witness the end of the 75-year heartbreak, to see Sam Maguire come home.”