The accomplished amateur rider Mikey O'Connor died on Thursday from a suspected heart attack. He was just 44 years of age.

Originally from Liscarroll in Co Cork and based in Charleville, he was champion point-to-point rider of the southern region on three occasions and his career total of 429 winners between the flags made him the fifth most successful rider of all time in that sphere.

His 16-year-old son Dylan is a former champion pony racing rider who has made a promising start an an apprentice on the flat. Married to Mag, Mikey also leaves behind two daughters, Sophie (11) and Rachel (4).

Among the best horses he rode were Denman, Forpadydeplasterer, Rebel Fitz, For Bill, Mister Top Notch and Pearly Jack.

He also trained winners on the track under permit.

Proud to have joined some of his heroes on the point-to-point roll of honour, he was devastated by the death of John Thomas McNamara in 2016. Mikey had a series of bad falls himself, particularly a spill at Killarney in 2014 which delayed racing while he was airlifted to hospital.

Although he continued to ride winners in recent years, he had been struggling to cope with his injuries. Due to a medical condition, he was required to present himself to the raceday doctor every day he had a ride.

Mick Winters, trainer of Rebel Fitz, was one of his biggest supporters. Still reeling from the shock news, he said: “Mikey came into our yard as a young man and immediately got stuck in, galloping and schooling.

“He showed himself to be a great horseman and pushed himself forward to get rides. He took the chances he was given and we had some fantastic years.

“One of the best days was when he won the southern title in 2009 with a winner at Ballingarry and we threw buckets of water over him.

“Mikey rode in the old-fashioned style of people like Timmy O’Callaghan, not over-stylish but always with the elbows out and able to look after himself. He had some great battles with Derek O’Connor over the years.”

The deceased is reposing in O'Keeffe's Funeral Home, Bank Place, Buttevant (P51 N2NP) on Sunday evening from 5.30pm to 8pm, followed by prayers.

Reception into St. Joseph's Church, Liscarroll on Monday morning for Requiem Mass at noon, after which Mikey will be laid to rest in St. Brigid's Cemetery, Buttevant.