Michaelhadagreatpassionforracing
Michael Cooney, who has passed away, was for many years, assistant to Dundalk racehorse trainer, Bunny Cox.
Michael was born in 1929 and came from Skeoughvosteen in Co. Kilkenny. He was the fifth in a family of sixteen, nine brothers and seven sisters.
He grew up with a passion for horses and hunted all over the Kilkenny countryside on ponies as a very young boy. This eventually led him to riding in pony races, winning numerous times up and down the country.
As Michael grew up he eventually went to ride out for Dan Kirwan not far from home and served a short time there before he met and married his wife Esther from Leighlinbridge in Carlow in 1957.
They headed to England where Michael gained employment as a chauffeur. The first three of their twelve children were born there.
They returned to Ireland on the death of his own father in 1960.
Having gained employment as assistant trainer to Bunny Cox in Dundalk, Michael and his family decided to remain in Ireland.
During his twenty-seven years as assistant to Bunny, Michael had numerous winners pass through his hands, such as Fortune Seeker, Bobs Brother, Dark Ivy, Silver Trix, Snow Trix, Jungle Trix, That’s Show Business, Little Mills and Four Aces who won the last hurdle race held at the Phoenix Park in 1963.
When Michael parted ways with Bunny he continued to work with horses, running a livery yard breaking and pre-training horses with his son Gerard.
He continued with this until he was offered the position of assistant trainer with the late Oliver Brady.
He had a huge part to play in nursing back Gazalani from a leg injury to go on to win the Grade 2 Jameson Gold Cup Novice Hurdle with Tommy Treacy on board at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, 1997, at 33/1, for Oliver and Rita Shah.
Michael having passed retirement age at this stage decided to hang up his riding boots at the age of 68, and he continued to work for Oliver and Rita Shah in a different capacity as driver delivering bags all over the country until he finally retired from work aged 70.
Michael still continued his passion for racing, showing a keen interest and always willing to offer his help and advice to his son-in- law Robbie Burns, married to daughter Diane, as he embarked on a successful training career.
He also was very proud of his sons in America, Patrick and Michael Jnr. who embarked on successful riding careers and then turned to training horses in America, both having huge success.
Michael was a great storyteller and loved nothing better than telling his family and friends what life was like in the ‘ Thirties and ‘Forties as he grew up.
He also loved travelling with his wife Esther and they both enjoyed many coach trips abroad to Wales and Blackpool with Pat Keenan tours as well as France and Italy.
Michael was a man of deep faith and loved to go on pilgrimage when he could, and in May this year he went with the Armagh Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Michael and Esther’s last trip together was in early August this year when they went to visit their daughters Eibhlin and Tina in West Sussex.
After celebrating his 90th birthday with all his family on 2 September, following a short illness, Michael passed from this life on 4 October, leaving behind his beloved wife Esther and twelve children.
He will be very much sadly missed by family, friends and neighbours. Michael’s family have organised a sponsored race to be held at Dundalk
Racetrack in October, 2020, in his memory.
Michael’s remains reposed at his home 140 Cedarwood Park, Dundalk before being removed to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Ard Easmuinn.
Fr. Pádraig Keenan celebrated the funeral mass and delivered the eulogy.
Symbols of Michael’s life were brought to the altar by daughters Eibhlin McKeown and Diane Cooney and Nicola and Nina Cooney.
These included a family photograph, a horse’s bridle and whip and a pair of rosary beads.
The readings were given by granddaughter Charmaine Stobart and grandson Fearghal Duffy.
The prayers of the faithful were led by granddaughters Cliona McKenna, Emma Cooney, Sarah and Aoife Nolan, Nessa Burns, Meghan Cooney and grandson Callaghan Stobart.
The Offertory Gifts were brought to the altar by granddaughters Molly McKeown and Grace Cooney.
A poignant reflection was written and delivered by his son Patrick Cooney.
The beautiful singing performed throughout the funeral mass was sung by Teresa Lynch.
Michael was then laid to rest in Dowdallshill Cemetery.