The late Dermot Traynor Popular Wexford man, Mr Dermot Traynor of Hayestown Stud was well known in horse and greyhound racing circles throughout Ireland. Dermot who owned Traynor's hardware shop in John Street, died at Wexford General Hospital on Monday, following an illness. He was 78 years old. A son of the late Thomas and Mary Traynor of Clonard, he is survived by his sisters, Maura Waters of Miltown, Dublin; Evelyn McGlynn of the Curragh, County Kildare and Letty O'Sullivan of Wexford; his brother Fintan, Hampshire, England; his nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. As a young man, Dermot joined the thriving business established by his father in the Bullring in 1940. When Thomas died in 1958, he took over the running of the store which also included a seed merchants and grain store. His nephew Conor O'Sullivan later became involved and now runs the business. Dermot was passionate about horses, dogs and sport. He bred national hunter horses at Hayestown Stud in Clonard and kept greyhounds which he raced at Enniscorthy race track and coursing meetings around the country. Horses from Hayestown enjoyed considerable success on the racing field and Dermot watched their performances with pride. He regularly travelled to race meetings in England and for many years, he never missed a visit to Cheltenham. He had many friends in the racing fraternity in the UK. His interest in horses came from his father, a native of Kildare whose family were involved in horse breeding. Dermot was a director of Wexford Racecourse, following in the footsteps of his father and being instrumental in the development of the racecourse at Bettyville. He also loved the sea. He was a member of Wexford Sailing Club for many years and had his own boat which he sailed in the harbour. He was a lifelong supporter of Wexford football and hurlling having played football for the Volunteers in his younger days. He also had a special fondness for the Sarsfields. He knew many of the old Wexford hurling and football greats personally and counted them as his friends. A sociable, outgoing, generous man, Dermot had friends all over Ireland and the UK. Between his business and sporting interests, he knew people in every county in Ireland. He couldn't go anywhere without bumping into someone he knew. He will be buried in the Traynor family grave in St Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown after funeral mass in Clonard church. - Courtesy of the Wexford People, January 14th 2009 Tweet

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