THE death occurred on Friday, January 23rd of Co Louth Irish Draught horse breeder Fintan Branigan whose funeral Mass and burial took place two days later.

Fintan’s home address was Crosstown, prefix of all the horses he bred, the best of whom was the multi-purpose stallion Crosstown Dancer, a winner in hand, also under saddle in the show ring, dressage, show jumping and ID performance classes.

The 1990 liver chesnut by Flagmount Diamond, who died in May 2013, had great success at stud, particularly when crossed with thoroughbred mares.

THREE-STAR LEVEL

The Grade A mare Crosstown Skylight, by Ard VDL Douglas out of a Sea Crest half-sister to Crosstown Dancer, was ridden last year for Fintan on the national Grand Prix circuit by Edward Butler whose brother Alex competed with her internationally at three-star level during the 2011 season. Fintan is survived by his wife Margaret, son Stephen and daughters Susan and Audrey to whom we extend our condolences. A full appreciation will appear in these pages shortly.