THE Irish Draught and show world lost one of its best ambassadors in the renowned breeder, judge and inspector, Timmy Sullivan (86). Like many of his generation, the Kilkenny native went to work in post-war England but returned when he inherited an uncle’s farm, fittingly situated near the heritage town of Abbeyleix.

Few did as much to protect the heritage of the Irish Draught or instil a love of horses amongst local children as the sprightly Sullivan, whose now sadly-lost store of knowledge about bloodlines was immense.

Timmy bred a number of well-known Draught stallions, most notably Crannagh Hero who produced a number of international show jumpers including Nenagh and Magelbjergs Crannagh Hero, competed by Philip Spivey (GB) and the late Camilla Enemark (DEN) respectively. Closer to home, Kilconnell Hero shone in the Irish Horse Board show jumping series with Andrew Bourns before the pair’s Stateside move, while another noted national performer Killard Horizon was on the 2011 European young riders team with Michael Duffy.

Merry Mate (Crannagh Hero’s Merrygold half-brother out of the Poulgorm mare Silver Queen 8), and Silver Jasper were two other noted stallions bred by Timmy, who also spotted the potential of a young Ben Purple colt, bred by William Bourke. That was Holycross, who produced a stream of Dublin and All Ireland winners during his later years with Tim O’Regan. In another Cork connection, Warren Lass, the 1982 Greenvale champion at Millstreet, was yet another bred by Timmy.

Milestone, whose wonderful traits are still evident in his descendants, was another famous Irish Draught stallion to have stood with Timmy.

He travelled the island to look first-hand at horses he had heard of and his anecdotes from another era included the hospitality provided and gratefully accepted on those expeditions, when a bed for the night often consisted of a fireside chair or settle bed.

Timmy also eloquently of how horses travelled by train from the local station at Abbeyleix to Kingsbridge (now Heuston Station) to Dublin Horse Show and the greats he recalled from the Irish Draught classes there.

In more recent years, it’s hard to recall an annual general meeting or stallion inspection where Timmy wasn’t in attendance, often with his loyal travelling companions, Eilene Brennan, the Wilson and Croke families and Jennifer Haverty. Likewise, the dapper figure, perched on his shooting stick at the ringside while he avidly watched the Irish Draught classes, was a familiar sight at Irish shows.

Timmy was inducted into Athlone Show’s Hall Of Fame in 2010 for his contribution to the Irish Draught scene. Another landmark was his 80th birthday celebrations held at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel and organised by his local Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association branch.

An active member of his local Laois branch, he supported all its initiatives from foal sales in its early days and right up to the annual performance day at Stradbally. The Irish Draught ‘seanchai’ also served as president of both the IDBHBA and the Stallion Owners Society.

Although he didn’t suffer fools gladly, he was a kindly gentleman and as Kevin Croke mentioned in his funeral service tribute, many local youngsters were introduced to ponies or first learned to drive a car across his fields, thanks to Timmy.

A filly foal or young mare was often quietly given to an eager young breeder to start off their Draught breeding programme and such generosity was typical of the man.

The respect and affection held for Timmy Sullivan by his many good neighbours and friends was evident at his funeral, which was also attended by Sue Benson and Ellen Walton, from the IDHS (BG) branch.

Our condolences to his brother and sister Bill and Meave Sullivan on their loss. The Irish Draught world and all that is good in Irish life was made so much richer by the presence of their brother.