Jockey died ‘doing what he loved best’

HUNDREDS of mourners attending the funeral of a promising teenage jockey who suffered a fatal fall were urged to try and draw comfort from the fact that he died doing what he loved best.

Jack Tyner, 19, from Inishannon, Co. Cork, passed away earlier this week at Cork University Hospital, after sustaining severe head injuries in a point-to-point fall over a week ago in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

After riding a winner in the first race, his mount Dusmagic took a heavy tumble at the first fence in the next.

Jack, son of well-known Inishannon-based trainer Robert Tyner, had already ridden six winners in his all-too-brief career.

But yesterday, as his heartbroken family and members of the close-knit racing community gathered at St Mary’s Church for requiem Mass, mourners drew a degree of comfort in the knowledge that he died doing the sport he was passionate about.

Speaking before the funeral Mass, parish priest Rev John Kingston said: “Obviously the family are absolutely devastated at this time and they are being offered prayers and support.

“Jack was born into a racing family and was absolutely passionate about it.

“At least the family have been able to find some peace of mind and comfort that he died doing the thing he loved the most.”

Kinsale-based councillor and family friend Tomas O’Brien said: “He was a great young man, a lovely fella, and very dedicated to his sport. His passing is a huge loss to the community and to the racing world, because he had a great future ahead of him.”

Jack was the only son of Mary and Robert Tyner. Among the mourners yesterday were his five sisters and girlfriend Emma.