The funeral of Jack de Bromhead took place in Waterford today, with his father Henry telling mourners: “I just ask any of you, whoever you love, make sure you tell them."
The 13-year-old tragically passed away last week in a pony riding accident.
Jack was remembered for his love of all sports, as well as farming and tractors. This was reinforced by three tractors who lead the funeral procession to the Blessed Virgin Mary church in Butlerstown, Waterford.
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Among mourners were fellow young jockeys wearing their silks, with everyone else asked to wear “bright and light coloured” clothing. The aides-de-camp to the President and Taoiseach were in attendance.
Symbols of Jack’s life included a riding whip, as well as other sports equipment, and served as reminders of his “rich and varied life”.
Butlerstown parish priest Fr Pat Fitzgerald described Jack as “full of the joy of living”. He said: “He revelled in the life and opportunities that surrounded him in his home, on the farm, in the stables and in the community.
“He was becoming, I believe, quite an expert - maybe, a budding horse whisperer - who had an intuitive grasp of equine nature. Most of all, he flourished in his family with his beloved parents and sisters who were the bedrock of his happiness.
“The all-embracing experience of his life can be expressed in one word. That one word is ‘love’. Love received and given in abundance. He knew himself to be loved and he reciprocated in a multitude of ways. In this sense, there was a kind of completeness and perfection to his life.”
Jack was described by his sisters Mia and Georgia as the “best brother” who was the “kindest, bravest and most caring”.
Andrew Moffat, Jack’s grandfather whom he referred to as "Grandy-boy", described the young man as someone they “all adored” and who had “a serious number of interests beyond his fame as a horse rider”.
This included driving and diggers, which began when he was about 4 years old. Andrew shared some anecdotes about his beloved grandson, who “quickly mastered” the ability to control any vehicles - or mobility scooters - he came across.
The proud grandfather finished up by saying: “Jack, you will live in our hearts and memories, forever.”
Henry de Bromhead also shared some words about his son alongside his wife, Heather.
He thanked mourners for their support and said: “Every person you meet gives you a little bit more strength.”
Henry, who Jack affectionately called ‘Hen-boy’, recounted stories about his son’s different passions and how quickly he picked them up. He also remembered the times they shared travelling to and from different competitions.
Towards the end of the ceremony, Henry said: “One of the greatest comforts Heather and I have now in his passing is he knows how much we loved him.
“I just ask any of you, whoever you love, make sure you tell them.
"If something like this happens to you, something so tragic as it is, happens to you, it’s a great comfort. If you could take that away with you, we would really appreciate it.”
The couple finished off their eulogy echoing the words Jack said to them every night: “Night, mum. Night, dad. Love you.”
Jack passed away from injuries sustained after a fall at a pony race at the Glenbeigh races in Kerry on Saturday, September 3rd.
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