Rachael Blackmore paid a touching tribute to Jack de Bromhead at the RTE Sport Awards on Saturday night.
The 13-year-old son of leading trainer Henry de Bromhead died following a fall during a pony race in September.
Speaking to Ruby Walsh at the awards ceremony, Blackmore said: "That was just a light that went out for all of us. Successes past, present, that's never going to reignite.
READ MORE: Katie Taylor eyes Croke Park fight after becoming RTE Sportsperson of the Year
"Jack was an incredible 13-year-old. He's definitely left a lasting impression on me and a lot of people in our industry and outside our industry. His two sisters, Mia beat me at showjumping the other night, Georgia has beat me at go-karting, which she won't let me forget.
"I just feel so lucky to have known him. He was a very special person and he'll never be forgotten."
Blackmore was crowned the RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year in 2021, but Katie Taylor reclaimed the award this year to win it for a third time.
The Bray boxer, who also won the award in 2012 and 2020, has enjoyed another sensational year in the ring, which included an historic Madison Square Garden win over Amanda Serrano.
And the undisputed lightweight champion is now aiming to face Serrano in a rematch at Croke Park next year.
She said: "We are definitely pushing for a rematch at Croke Park. Just the thoughts of making my homecoming fight at Croke Park is spine-tingling.
"Talks are definitely under way right now, and I think we are a long way off from that fight happening at Croke Park, but I hope it does happen.
"It would be an awful shame if it doesn't happen. The thought of fighting in front of 80,000 people gives me goosebumps.
"So I do hope it's going to happen soon."
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