Brian Fitzsimmons MBE, 1943 – 2019
Brian Fitzsimmons, a longstanding member of the National Hunt Committee and steward of the Irish Turf Club, died on Friday past – 31st May.
Brian was awarded the MBE in 1996 for his service in public office, a fact unknown to the majority of his friends with only his family members aware of the honour presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
The Fitzsimmons name is synonymous in Downpatrick and the province with horse racing and point-to-points, and Brian was another of the family to ride in point-to-points following in the footsteps of his father Frankie Fitzsimmons, a legendary figure in local racing and a race in his memory staged at Downpatrick racecourse only just over a week ago.
The best horses Brian was associated with were Bright Trick, Hopes Choice and Holly Park.
Brian was a member of the National Hunt Committee since 1986 and also served as a Steward of the INHS Committee for two terms 1995-1998 and then again from 2010-2013. He also served on the Licensing Committee, Appeals Committee and the Point-to-Point Committee. A minute’s silence was observed at Down Royal on Friday night in his memory.
Brian was an ardent supporter of numerous charities including Riding For The Disabled, the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and Macmillan Cancer Care. He was a quiet reserved individual respected for his wealth of knowledge and fairness in the decisions he made in his role representing the Turf Club and in on course enquiries.
Brian will be very sadly missed by his many friends and the Irish Racing fraternity and condolences are extended to his wife Mary, brothers Frankie and Paddy and the large extended family circle.
The funeral service will be held on Monday at 11am at Downpatrick’s St Patrick’s Church and later at Saint Margaret’s Parish Church yard.
RIP.
(Written by J.K.)
