Teenage jockey who died in Kerry named as Henry de Bromhead’s son, Jack

Jockey Jack de Bromhead briefs his dad and trainer Henry de Bromhead after riding The Highest Level to win. Picture: Healy Racing

The teenage jockey who died in a beach race meeting in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, has been named as Henry de Bromhead’s son, Jack.

Jack de Bromhead, 13, suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from his horse at the Glenbeigh Racing Festival.

The incident happened during the fifth race on the card at about 5pm on Saturday evening.

Local Councillor Michael Cahill lives in Glenbeigh and was attending the event with his family.

"There's a dark cloud over the entire community," Mr Cahill said.

"It's hard to comprehend that such a tragedy happened here yesterday - one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

"It's so so sad and everybody is in a complete state of shock."

Tributes have begun to pour in for the young jockey and his family.

Posting a video of a recent interview with Jack, racing pundit Kevin Blake said: "There are no words. What a devastating tragedy."

There are no words. What a devastating tragedy. RIP Jack De Bromhead. 😔 pic.twitter.com/GCg3y2oCS5

— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) September 4, 2022

La Rochelle coach and Irish Examiner columnist Ronan O'Gara said: "Thoughts and prayers with the de Bromhead family. A 13 year old boy taken doing what he loved. The poor family. The heart hurts."

A beautiful young boy Jack De Bromhead pictured here by ⁦@BarryDonal⁩ 7 days ago in Cahersiveen after winning a pony race💔💔 6 days later he loses his life on Rossbeigh Beach doing what he loved best😢His Dad Henry was in Cahersiveen and gave a beautiful interview RIP Jack pic.twitter.com/fFDGY6gMOD

— Mortimer Murphy(Murt) (@MortimerMurphy1) September 4, 2022

According to those in attendance, the teenage boy’s horse “stumbled badly” sending its rider into the tide before then falling on him. It’s understood that emergency services did their best to revive the youngster, but that he died at the scene.

The day’s racing was immediately abandoned, with Sunday’s card also being cancelled.

“It had nothing to do with the conditions,” one onlooker said, in response to suggestions that inclement weather may have played a part in the tragedy.

“The rain had eased off, although there had been a huge shower just beforehand,” they said.

“It is the biggest tragedy of all, a nightmare for any family,” they added.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that gardaí and emergency services had responded to reports of an incident at Rossbeigh Beach in Co.Kerry approximately 5.20pm.

“A male in his teens received treatment at the scene following the incident but was later pronounced deceased,” the spokesperson said.

They added that young man’s body was removed to the morgue at Kerry University Hospital in Tralee.