Frank Costelloe, Kilmorane, Ennis 'A superb horseman - brave balanced and bold' On December 15, 2005, at Frank Costelloe died at his home in Kilmorane, surrounded by his family and friends. He had been ill for some time and his death caused much sorrow amongst his many friends throughout Clare and in many parts of the Ireland. He was a member of one of County Clare's best known families, the Costelloe's of Darragh, where he was born in 1935 to John Joe and Josephine, one of a family of four boys and one girl. From a young age, he showed a special interest in equestrian sport, though he first showed his athletic abilities playing hurling for his native Ballyea and Clarecastle. He was a strong and dashing midfielder, with good hands, brave in the tackle and fully committed to his team and to his club. He played midfield for Clarecastle in the memorable county final of 1956, sharing the middle of the park with Michael Lynch of Lissane, who died. In 1957 he retired from hurling and he began his great love affair with the horse. The family were steeped in the traditions and the lore of equestrian sport. It was natural that his father's involvement and participation in horse breeding and in buying, selling and promotion of Irish sport horses would influence his sons. Frank was a willing and able student. Wherever John Joe went, there too were his family, with Frank to the fore. He rode champion hunters in the various shows in Munster, produced many winners in the show rings and his family won the prestigious de Valera Cup at Ennis Show on no fewer than twelve occasions. He had a great eye for a good horse and acted as a judge in many shows throughout Ireland. On one occasion, he and his old friend, selected three horses in three different classes in Tipperary. Frank was pleased with their decisions and forecast that two of the horses would win in the RDS in dublin. They did. He was recognised as a skilled practitioner of the course builder's art and he helped numerous shows throughout the Mid West, particularly in Ennis, Kildysart and Galway show-jumping venues where he was particularly welcome. He was a member of Bord na gCapall, the precursor of the Irish Horse Board. His opinions were always welcomed and his contribution signifcant. He chaired the Co. Clare Agricultural Show Society for many years and introduced many innovations, particularly in the upgrading of the Showgrounds and in the building of the indoor arena, with his fellow board members in the 1970s. Nobody knew how many hours he gave to the society, not for any personal gain, but for the love of the sport and for his emotional attachment to the history and traditions of the society. For thirty years he served at Point-to-Point fixtures for the County Clare Hunt in Dromoland and Bell Harbour. His input was immense and thousands listened to the clear voice over the P.A. system, bringing order to race day. The voice is now stilled forever. He was a superb horseman - brave, balanced and bold. These traits were best exemplified in the hunting fields of Clare and Galway. He rode with a bowler hat and he led from the front. On one occasion, as Master of the Clare Hunt in Crusheen, he hit the branch of a large oak. He was sent flying from his horse, hitting the ground unconscious. The bowler hat saved him from serious injury. Show jumping and hunting were his serious sport and in life in general, was remarkable. Many knew Frank's public profile, but few knew the gentle father and loving husband. He cherished his family and with them developed a thriving farming enterprise in Kilmorane, stamped with the unique style of the Costelloe clan. His three children reside in homes built by the family on their land around his home, a permanent reminder of a decent and good man. As his friend and classmate Fr O' Loughlin said at his Mass in Ballyea - "A visionary had died". Few knew Frank better than Jim White, the veterinary surgeon from Patrickswell. When asked about Frank, he said - "He was a wonderful man and a great character. He was a master of the horse. He never engaged in underhand methods and never took advantage of anybody. It was natural for him to be a gentleman. His word was his bond". His friends will miss him. his sons and daughter will sigh for the loss of a precious father and above all, Monica, his wife of forty-three years will cry for the loss of her "best friend". Their partnership was special, their relationship unique. Those who knew him in hurling circles will remember him. Those who participated with him in equestrian sport will talk about him. His family, who loved him, will cherish his memory forever. 'Huntsman Rody, blow the horn Make the hills reply I cannot blow upon my horn I can but weep and sigh'. WB Yeats Courtesy of Clare Champion 20 January 2006 Tweet

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