ON a personal note, Harold’s passing leaves a very large hole. I will miss much about the man but nothing more so than his sincere belief that success is there for everyone willing to make the effort.
His enthusiasm for the horse was infectious, his eye for detail and professionalism unparalleled. Always there to advise and guide and never knowingly caught without an opinion, he was an ever-present source of information, counsel, wit and kindness – always accompanied by his trademark linguistic gymnastics.
The Longford Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club
“All at Longford Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club suffered a great loss at the sudden passing of Harold McGahern, who, along with Sam Murphy (R.I.P), were the founding members of our Pony Club.
“Harold always made himself available with his wealth of knowledge in all areas of equestrianism. In the early days his premises at Rincoola was the base for Longford Pony Club. He was a wonderful promotor of the equestrian sport, always encouraging young talent, many of whom went on to compete at an international level.”
The Irish Pony Club
“It is with deepest regret that the Irish Pony Club would like to acknowledge the sudden passing of Harold McGahern on Monday 26th of November. Harold was a valued member of the Irish Pony Club, co-founding the Co Longford Hunt Branch, and was an active and longstanding member and Chairman of the Irish Pony Club Board of Directors.”
Barbara Micks, Board member and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the IPC, recalled Harold being on the Board from 2002 to 2017 while he was Chairman of the Board from 2012 to 2017. “Harold served on both the eventing and dressage committees and, in 2004, became chairman of the dressage committee for a three-year term. Harold was a great support of the Irish Pony Club as he was of the wider sport horse industry.”
The Connemara Pony Breeders Society
“The CPBS are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr Harold McGahern.
“We were delighted when he accepted our invitation to judge the Green Hunter, Performance Mare and the loose jumping at Clifden last year, which he did with his usual efficiency and good humour, having had a word with everyone before heading home to Rincoola in Co Longford. He will be sadly missed by every quarter of the equine community. “
The Longford Harriers
“Longford Harriers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and hunt member Harold McGahern. A regular face on the hunting field. He will be missed by all.”
The Westmeath Harriers
“The Westmeath Harriers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harold McGahern. Harold was a true friend of the hunt and will be greatly missed by all on the hunting field.”
The Ballymacad Foxhounds
“Like the rest of the Irish equestrian world, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold McGahern. Harold was a very supportive member of the Ballymacads for over 20 years, giving of his time for hunter trials and many events. Well-known among the midland packs for his charismatic story telling on the hunt field, his presence will be sorely missed.”