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.