Obituary: Corinne McAlister

The many friends and local horse racing fraternity will be deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Corinne Mc Allister on Monday.

Corinne was a well-known figure in several arenas but was always based at the family’s historic Morning Star bar and restaurant in Belfast. It was fun to be in her company and like her late husband, Seamus, she was a regular at both local racecourses Down Royal and Downpatrick as a racehorse owner with the Stuart Crawford-trained Strongpoint providing many highlights and victories during his racing career and his owner making a good home a priority upon his retirement from racing.

Mrs Mc Allister was also a sponsor and supporter of various charities and followed the tradition set by her late husband of buying the champion bullock at Allams Mart’s annual Christmas show and sale and in the New year the champion providing the centre piece of a dinner for local farmers, producers and suppliers — the exercise again in aid of charity.

She was ultra proud of her children and worked with son, James and daughter, Peita at the family business while encouraging and supporting their initiatives during the pandemic to retain staff and service customers.

Corinne had a passion for point to point racing and usually had a horse or share in a horse for the season and would be seen at most local fixtures attired in her wax coat and wellies with a couple of her beloved dogs alongside. Corinne had also a great involvement with Irish and Ulster rugby with Peita playing for the Ulster team and the first to captain the team in the island of Ireland, and the family sponsoring Ulster rugby at the Malone club while also encouraging and endorsing the youth sides.

The Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday 15th September at the Good Shepherd Church, Belfast and the church at full capacity with family and due to the Covid protocols several hundred assembled outside from the Malone Rugby club, Ulster Rugby, horseracing including bookmakers and very many friends.

Corinne was a great lady and wonderful human being. Condolences are extended to her sons James and Michael, daughter Peita, and the very large family circle at home and in Australia and New Zealand. Rest In Peace.

Ron McKnight