LAST weekend saw the funeral of the late Maura O’Meara at the venerable age of 94. The parish church of Ballybricken was packed for the funeral Mass which took place just a stone’s throw from her old home.

In keeping with her wishes, her funeral Mass had no eulogy, sermon or gifts. Born Maura Mitchell, she came from a family steeped in hunting, point-to-pointing and racing.

Her nephew Matt Mitchell was only recently appointed MD of Tattersalls Ireland. She went on to marry her childhood sweetheart, David O’Meara who, as well as farming held a trainer’s licence, and went on to own and train two winners of the Cunningham Cup, Willow Grouse and Boro’s Pet, ridden by the great Pat Taaffe. They also won the La Touche with Graceful Queen, ridden by his son Michael who continues to farm at home

A keen hunting man David, known to his friends as Davy, was a committee member of the Scarteen Hunt for many years before going on to become master of the Limerick Harriers, a role he held until he passed away at a relatively early age.

As well as farming, Maura continued a keen interest in sport, both racing and tennis, reading The Irish Field without fail from cover to cover. She could speak with authority on racing form even to the very end of her days.

Maura was living with her son David, and was blessed with a strong religious faith and enjoyed excellent health to the very end. She always had a great welcome for visitors at her home in Caherelly.

To her family, Michael, Mary, Joe, David, Gabriel and Anne-Marie our sympathy, your mother was a very special person and we were privileged to have known her.

D & C.P.