PHILIP O’Connor, who died last week aged 86, was embedded in almost all aspects of Irish equestrianism over a lengthy life of combining a successful legal career with a passionate interest in horses. While he filled many high-profile organisational roles, he was probably happiest when out hunting with the Ward Union Staghounds in Co Meath and north County Dublin.

Born in 1934, Philip grew up in a very different Ireland. Educated by the Jesuits in Belvedere College in central Dublin, he went on after his Leaving Cert to study Law in UCD, then in Earlsfort Terrace. After completing his solicitors’ training, he had a highly successful legal career where his work often overlapped with his interest in horses and equestrianism. He represented the Aga Khan in a famous court case over the world famous Gilltown Stud in Co Kildare. The Aga Khan won the case and Sea the Stars now stands there.

Voluntary roles

Philip gave selflessly of his time. Among his many voluntary roles, he was Secretary of the Wards and later chairman and until last year, was still a trustee. He was also on the Board of the original Ward Union racecourse, Fairyhouse. As a young man, he competed in the RDS main arena, he went on to become a member of the equestrian committee and was later on the RDS Board of Management. It was during his spell on the Board that the crucial decision to build the two large office blocks on Simmonscourt Road, that have been so important to the survival of the RDS during this pandemic, was taken.

He was also on the Judicial Commitee of the FEI, a pivotal role in international showjumping that neatly combined his legal capacity and his interest in horses. He was on this commitee when it examined the Cian O’Connor controversy at the London Olympics, despite a perception of possible national bias, his expertise and integrity were recognised as indisputable.

Philip also had a term as chairman of the Show Jumping Association of Ireland. He had a warm and engaging personality with a deep interest in people, as a result he had friends everywhere who often invited him and his wife Una (née McMahon) to their special family celebrations, he often travelled long distances, including on one occasion to Brazil, for a friend’s special event.

Devoted family man

He married his wife Una in 1959. They began their married life in a flat in Fitzwilliam Square and moved to their final home in Kilternan in 1974. They had over 62 years of married life together, she was his constant support and companion and with five children – Cairn, Philip, Maeve, Christopher and Stephen – and 13 grandchildren, life was full. His funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Mattie Harper SJ, a lifelong friend, and one of the earliest recognised show jumping starters.

As Charles Allen so appropriately wrote in a verse recited at the funeral by his son Stephen:

“Oh bright are the fancies and sweet the regrets.

That arise at the sound of the Horn.

The friends of my youth, and the years of my fun.

The days when I rode with the Wards

Were the horses then really so stout and so good.

No wire on fences, but lots of blackthorn.

The hounds truer-tongued, and the deer more straight.

In the days when I rode with the Wards.

Ah, youth! Make the most of your day while its lasts.

No sunlight can equal the dawn.

I’d barter 10 years of a peaceful life.

For another good dart with The Wards.

M.D.