Fitzpatrick, Mossie
February 21, 2013
A gentleman who had a remarkable eye
The late Mossie Fitzpatrick was born in Meelin in 1952 to parents Neilie and Mary. His father, Neilie, was a farrier as were many generations of the Fitzpatrick family before him. Mossie and his brother, Frank, carried on the tradition both training to become farriers.
Mossie served his apprenticeship in Kildare and won the European Gold medal when he graduated. He was very dedicated to his job, clocking up thousands of miles each year travelling to stables all over Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
Mossie's eye for straightness was remarkable - a foal could just walk after the mother for three strides and Mossie would say 'okay, bring him back' and there before your eyes he would know what to do. On his way to work each morning he called to his mother Mary in Clashroe where Mary had the porridge ready for him and then set off for a long day. He also played hurling for Meelin, winning four Duhallow championship medals. Mossie was a gentleman, quiet and unassuming. He married Esther Clancy and moved to Broadford.
Last October, Mossie took great pride in seeing his son C.J. being crowned a world handball champion in the City West. Mossie went to his eternal reward on January 8. He will be sorely missed by all those who queued for hours to pay their final respects to one of the most dedicated men in the equine industry, that southern Ireland has ever seen.
He is survived by his wife Esther, daughters Norma and Mary, son C.J., mother Mary, brothers Connie, Denis and Frank and extended family.
Courtesy of The Corkman.
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