The name Patsy Byrne has been synonymous with greyhounds and horses for many years so the news of his sudden death will come as a huge shock to all.
Byrne shared his time between his native Duagh in County Kerry, and his family home in Surrey.
The navy and pink silks were in the winners enclosure at Kerry National earlier this month when White Star Line landed the big prize, he also landed the Northumberland Plate with the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Tominator earlier this year.
Byrne trained and owned an Irish Derby winner in Cool Performance a English Derby winner Ballinderry Ash and got the trifecta with landing the Coursing Derby with Big Interest.
Byrne will be remembered for his close connection to Barney Curley and landing one of the biggest punts of all time when Mystic Ridge won under Jamie Spencer at the Galway Festival.
Shocked 2 hear of the passing of the great patsy Byrne my thoughts are with his family
— Davy Russell (@_Davy_Russel_) September 30, 2013
Sad news about Patsy Byrne,a great man & friend,big loss 2 the racing and greyhound world,thoughts with his wife Bridget & family
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) September 30, 2013
We are very sad to hear about the passing of Patsy Byrne.He was a great supporter of Chelt and will be much missed. Thoughts to his family.
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) September 30, 2013
Stunned to hear Patsy Byrne has died. Massive in the greyhound world, owner of @ListowelRaces winner White Star Line. Racing man. #RIP
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) September 30, 2013
Tom Beisty
09/30/2013 at 7:55 pm
Patsy was a fine generous man, he will be sadly missed from among the Irish Community in Britain. May he rest in peace among the Angels…tom Beisty