'His laugh could light up any room,' celebrated Tipperary jockey Michael Byrne laid to rest

“You’ll hear me or see me or maybe you won’t; I hear you, I see you or maybe I don’t” were the first lines of Mick King’s poem written for the deceased Michael Byrnes and read by Mick to applause at the much-loved jockey’s funeral Mass in Holycross Abbey on Thursday afternoon last.

The funeral of Michael Byrne brought huge numbers of the racing community together in Tipperary to remember and celebrate the life of the celebrated jockey who hailed from Knockgraffon, Cahir.

His laugh, which could light up any room, was recalled by many at the service, as was his horsemanship, kindness and his intelligence.

The warm air betrayed a sadness and numbness amongst those present that Michael had sadly passed away at the age of just 36.

At the outset, the celebrant spoke of the history of racing and reminded those present of the story of Martin Becher who was once in the lead in a famous race, but was thrown from his mount at one of the water jumps.

No one remembered who won the race but they remembered Martin as by the year 1847 the race became known as the Aintree Grand National and Becher’s Brook became the most famous of the jumps - and is - to this day.

It was a race described then as one where each participant had a real chance “to be called to his maker”.

“Last Saturday, Michael Byrne went back to his maker,” the celebrant said about the jockey who won 96 winners in Britain and was also an Aintree Festival winning jockey.

A beautiful service recalled a life well lived by a hugely popular man who was described as: “The first man on the dancefloor and the last man off,” by those close to him.

‘WONDERFUL’

Among the tributes during the Mass, the mourners heard how: “Michael, Mike, Mickey B, Mick - whatever you knew him as, you were lucky. Thanks to all who travelled today to give him the sendoff he deserved.

“Michael was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin but most of all he was a wonderful friend.

“As anyone who ever saw him on a horse could appreciate what a gifted horseman he was.

“Michael rode around a hundred winners in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and America. A special mention to his time with Tim Vaughan who instilled the confidence and put his faith in him to become the top jockey that he was.

“Horses didn’t define Mike though. For me, when I think of Mick, it was his smile and his infectious laugh whenever he was having the craic and I think anyone who knew him can relate to that.”

Some symbols were brought to the altar to remember the popular jockey and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him.
Ski goggles, a cup of tea and brown bread were amongst the memories brought to the altar.

He had a huge love of food and in particular “the Chinese” in Cashel but he adored his mother’s home baking more than anything else.

Another item brought up was a helmet with a back protector.

“He had a successful career in racing,” mourners heard and he had worked closely with his father, siblings and cousins.

A Man United jersey and a pint of Guinness were also mementos symbolising how he loved to meet up to chat with friends.

There was a beautiful, poignant rendition of Paolo Nutinis Candy also during the ceremony.

The beautiful guitar-based music rang out throughout the service including You are my Sunshine and REM’s classic hit Man on the Moon.

Mike was fondly loved, a fabulous jockey and will be sadly missed.

May he rest in peace.