Mick Connors Sunday January 15 saw the passing of one of the real legends of the Irish Horse world. After a long illness borne with resignation and fortitude, Mick Connors one of our best loved and respected horsemen, died peacefully at his home in Pallas Stud, Woodstown, surrounded by his loving family. His death at the age of 84 years brought to an end one of the most distinguished and diverse careers we have ever seen in the world of the Irish Horse. Mick, one of ten children, was born into the famous Connors family of Stradbally in 1921. He remained there working at home and learning his art until he got married to Gillie in 1961. However, it wasn't all horses. Mick, along with some of his brothers, played with the famous Stradbally football team which won the first ever "five in a row" in the early forties. After getting married to Gillie, together they purchased Pallas which they established as one of the most successful equestrian enterprises in Ireland. Whether you wanted a first pony for a child, a trooper for the Queen's Cavalry, a hunter, a showjumper or a racehorse, they were all to be found at Pallas. Mick and one of his best friends, Henry Fitzgerald, were inseparable as they travelled the length and breadth of Ireland searching for suitable horses to fit orders. Meanwhile, back at Pallas, Gillie, made sure that schooling and stable management were such as to produce these sometimes fairly green purchases into top class ponies and horses. But Pallas was more than just an equestrian enterprise, it is also a home. Mick and Gillie have seven children, Francis, Caroline, Lucy, Helen, Gill, Sarah and Michael. They inherited their parents' love for horses and under Mick and Gillie's tutelage they became successful competitors both nationally and internationally. Among their more famous ponies were Bo Ali, Feather duster, Captain Coco and Limbo Jack. When the children moved from ponies to horses, Mick continued to find the right animals and Pallas produced some famous international showjumpers such as Carrolls Spotlight, Diamond Seeker, Diamond Express, Carrolls No Problem, Diamond Explosion, Kilcontrim Servant and Sefton, to name just a few. Shortly after moving to Pallas, Mick began moves to form the Woodstown Harriers. He served as Master and Huntsman for twenty years giving countless followers immense enjoyment. The pack is still hunting successfully today. Apart from Mick's gift of horsemanship, it was his love of people, his spontaneous hospitality and highly developed sense of humour that led to his success. In a very moving tribute during his funeral Mass, his daughter Gill, spoke of the love and respect which Mick showed to all, be they Lord or Lady, Duke of Duchess, or those that did the most menial jobs around the stables. She also told of the phone calls from people miles away wanting to sell Mick a horse and giving a description of the animal he often discovered the reality bore no resemblance of the description given. However, always a gentleman and considerate to the hopeful seller, he would examine the horse with all the attention he would have devoted to a potential Dublin Champion. After the inspection he would gently place his hand on the seller's shoulder and explain that while he hadn't a job for this horse at the moment, when he did he would know where to find him. However, of the seller should find another buyer in the meantime, "let him go, I'll understand." Also during the Mass, a letter was read out from his daughter, Sarah, who couldn't be present. She spoke of Mick as a wonderful father and the fun and laughter he brought to all our lives. Fr. Jimmy Browne, a long time friend of the Connor's family, who presided at the funeral Mass, spoke of Mick as a man of deep faith, a great gentleman, a man who lived his Christian faith and who was never embarrassed to express it. In Mick's passing, the Irish Horse World has lost a great ambassador. Those of us who knew him have lost a great friend whose wit and wisdom will be spoken of for a long time. To Gillie and Francis, Caroline, Lucy, Helen, Sarah and Michael, we offer our sincere condolences. Fittingly as Mick's coffin was being lowered into the grave in Killea, Mike Power of the Kill Harriers and Stephen Farrell of the Woodstown Harriers sounded the "Tally Ho" on hunting horns to send him on his way to his Maker. Mick, we look forward to meeting you on the far bank. MDB Courtesy of the Waterford News 17 February 2006 Tweet

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