Noel O'Brien Passes Away Turf Club senior National Hunt handicapper Noel O'Brien passed away last night following a long illness at the age of 57. Noel was a very popular figure within Irish racing for many years and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues. He was instrumental in setting up the Anglo-Irish Classifications, which allocates handicap marks to British runners in Ireland and vice versa. Noel had worked for the Turf Club since leaving school and held the role of senior handicapper since 1995. Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horseracing Ireland tweeted: A light went out in Irish racing overnight with the passing of Noel O’Brien. A gentleman who always had time for people. Popular in a job where that is not easy. Passionate about national hunt racing. A huge loss to his family, to racing and to his wide circle of friends. RIP. Here are the funeral details as published on www.rip.ie: O' Brien, Noel P., Kilrush, Athy & late of Thomastown, Caragh, Co. Kildare & Senior NH Handicapper, Irish Turf Club, December 19th 2017, peacefully at St. James' Hospital surrounded by his loving family, after an illness bravely borne. Deeply regretted by his loving brothers, sisters, Karen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, uncle, aunt, relatives & a wide circle of friends. Reposing at his family home in Thomastown, Caragh on Wednesday from 12 noon, with rosary at 8pm. Removal on Thursday at 10am to arrive at the Church of Our Lady & St. Joseph, Caragh for 10.30am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Caragh Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to ICU, St. James' Hospital. May he Rest In Peace.
