Phonsie O'Brien passes away Former jockey and trainer Phonsie O'Brien has died aged 86. Alphonsus Septimus O'Brien was the youngest brother of the late Vincent O'Brien who died in 2009. He passed away peacefully at home in Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary today. Phonsie rode plenty of winners in the 1940s and then took out a trainer's licence in 1956. He was credited as the trainer of Irish Derby winner Chamour (in 1960). Vincent trained Chamour but was serving an 18-month ban following a positive drugs test from Chamour three months prior. The suspension was later reduced to 12 months. As a trainer he created history by saddling four consecutive winners of the Galway Plate between 1962 and 1965. He bred National Hunt and Flat winners. His funeral details are below. Phonsie O Brien, Landscape House, Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary, July 5th 2016, (peacefully at home), Phonsie, deeply regretted by his wife Anne, his daughters Gillian, Yvonne and Mary Ann, grandchildren Mikaela, Lily, Phonsie and Molly, sons-in-law Jonathan and Adrian, nieces, nephews, relatives and large circle of friends. May he rest in peace. Reposing at home on Thursday, July 7th, from 3 pm to 7 pm. Funeral Mass on Friday, July 8th, in St Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen at 12 o clock, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to South Tipperary Hospice.
