WELL-known and respected Kildare breeder and businessman Dr Noel Cawley sadly passed away this morning (Thursday) following an illness.
One of Ireland’s most prolific sport horse breeders, Noel grew up in Moygara, Co Sligo where his love for all things horses and agriculture was nurtured. He joined the Irish Dairy Board in 1974 and spent some 32 years with the company, 17 of them as chief executive, until his retirement in 2006.
During an interview with The Irish Field in 2017, Noel said it was during those years that he most appreciated his evenings in the fields with his beloved mares. “Dealing with 3,000 people, there were always problem, so I looked forward to coming out here,” he said.
Following his retirement, he became chairman of Teagasc in 2008, a role he held for 10 years and thoroughly enjoyed. He was appointed the first chairman of the Irish Horse Board co-operative when it was established in 1993 and held that until 2004. He is also former chair of the International Dairy Federation Ireland.
He was without doubt happiest at home at Newpark Lodge Stud in Eadestown, Co Kildare with his wife Anita, daughters Lisa and Claire, sons-in-law and his grandchildren. He took huge pride in his family and especially Lisa’s great interest in the breeding operation.
Top horses
Among his top horses through the years were multiple Grand Prix winning mare Golden Exchange and Rincarina, who both retired to stud at his farm. One of his favourite mares, Noel rated Rincarina’s win as a six-year-old in Dubin as one of his best days with horses. Her daughter Laurina (by Stakkato Gold) won the five-year-old championship at Dublin last year and, just yesterday (Wednesday) qualified for the six-year-olds at the Dublin Horse Show.
Another recent high-profile horse bred by Cawley is Ballypatrick Flamenco (Je T’Aime Flamenco – Cruise Leaf, Cruising) who until his recent sale was ridden by Kevin Gallagher to win the 1.50m Premier Series in Ireland and they were part of the winning Nations Cup team in Lisbon in May 2022. Cruise Leaf’s six-year-old son BP Casablanca won yesterday’s Dublin Horse Show qualifier at the Meadows EC.
Cawley bred three further Nations Cup horses in Touchable, Mullaghdrin Touch the Stars and Mullaghdrin Gold Rain, all out of the mare Irco Rain (Irco Mena).
Funeral arrangements
Reposing at the George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas (eircode W91 CD0K) on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm with prayers at 5.30pm. Funeral on Monday with Requiem Mass at 10am in The Church of Our Lady and St. David, Naas and afterwards to Eadestown Cemetery.
Noel will be very sadly missed by his wife, daughters, brother John, sons-in-law Mark & Joe, adored grandchildren David, James & Julia, sisters-in-law, brothers in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends.
Everyone at The Irish Field sends deepest condolences to the Cawley family.