Ronan O'Gara is just one of the many people across the country to express their condolences to the de Bromhead family after news emerged of Jack de Bromhead's passing.
The 13-year-old, son of renowned trainer Henry, died from injuries sustained during a pony race at the Glenbeigh Racing Festival on Rossbeigh Beach in Kerry.
The young rider was attended to by emergency services but was later pronounced dead after what has been described as a "freak accident".
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The shocking tragedy has put everything into perspective with rugby legend O'Gara among those to pass on their sympathy to Henry and wife Heather.
He wrote: "Thoughts and prayers with the de Bromhead family. A 13-year-old boy taken doing what he loved. The poor family. The heart hurts."
It is believed that Jack fell from his horse as the animals were making a turn near the water's edge.
A garda spokesperson yesterday said: "Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at Rossbeigh Beach in Co.Kerry earlier this evening at approximately 5.20pm.
"A male in his teens received treatment at the scene following the incident but was later pronounced deceased.
"His body has since been removed to the Morgue at Kerry University Hospital."
Jack was one of three children of Waterford-based Henry and Heather, with the others being Jack's twin sister Mia and younger sister Georgia.
Henry was at a national hunt meeting in Wexford when the tragedy occurred.
Jack helped out around his father's racing yard and only last weekend rode a winner in a pony race at Cahirsiveen in Kerry.
The young teenager was riding out in the fifth race of the day on Rossbeigh Beach when the tragedy occurred.
Glenbeigh Races announced that all further races and events scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled after the incident.
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