Molony Brothers to be honoured at Gala Ball

The racing community is coming together with the Molony Family to honour the multiple-Champion Jockeys Tim and Martin Molony, the Limerick brothers who dominated the racing scene in Ireland and the UK in the 1940’s-50’s by hosting a gala ball in the Dunraven Arms Hotel on 17th September 2014 (Guinness Kerry National day) to raise funds for the bronze statue as well as the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

Tim, the elder brother, died in 1989. Martin is happily still with us, just short of ninety will be there on the night. Tim was 5-time British champion National Hunt jockey including four seasons in succession – 1948-49 – 1951-52, in fact Tim was never out of the first three in the jockeys championship after '48 and was leading the championship when he had the fall that made him retire, whereupon he began training – handling horses such as Red Rum.

While, back on Irish soil Martin tied for the Irish jockeys’ title with Aubrey Brabazon in 1946 and then made it his own for the next five years. Other major achievements were Martin’s winning the Irish Grand National three times, on Knight’s Crest (1944), Golden View II (1946 and Dominic’s Bar (1950). Martin also rode 3 Irish Classic winners on the Flat & bought dual Champion Hurdle winner Bula post retirement. Famous horses associated with the brothers include Gold Cup winners Knock Hard & Silver Fame and Champion Hurdle winners, Hattons Grace & Sir Ken among others.

Peter Molony (son of Martin) of Rathmore Stud said:- “We have had wonderful support for the gala ball, the family have long discussed and have been approached to immortalise both Tim and dad through bronze. Limerick Racecourse requested that it be located at their track so that the racing public can enjoy the statue and the Limerick men be remembered in their home county and we were delighted that they can preside there overlooking the parade ring. It should be a fun night and we hope lots can be raised for both funds as the Injured Jockeys Fund is close to our heart too”.

Dublin-sculptor Paul Ferriter has won the commission out of a number of selected artists to create the life-size bronze of Tim and Martin Molony, which will be erected in Limerick racecourse not far from where the Champion Jockeys were raised.

With over 25 years experience Paul is one of Ireland’s best-known sculptors completing such iconic works as the larger than life bronze of Michael Cusack for Croke Park Stadium in 2011, life-size golf sculptures include Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Old Tom Morris, and both Christy O’Connor Snr and Jnr.

Paul Ferriter, sculptor:- “I'm both pleased and privileged to have been commissioned to sculpt two immensely talented brothers, Tim and Martin Molony, and am especially gratified that the sculpture will be displayed at such a fitting venue as Limerick Racecourse a scene of so many of their triumphs.”

Auction items include:-

· A limited edition of a bronze Maquette of the actual Molony sculpture of Tim & Martin by Paul Ferriter.

· A nomination in either Harbour Watch or Havana Gold (at the purchasers preference) from Tweenhills Stud.

· A case of Lynch Bages 2007.

· A Trip to see Ouija Board, the champion race mare & dam of the champion Australia, accommodation at the Jockey Cub Rooms & a days racing at Newmarket for Future Champions Day with lunch.

· A days racing & lunch for 4 people at British Champions Day, Ascot.