PAT JONES

Greyhound racing lost a great friend and hugely talented handler in recent days with the sad passing of Pat Jones.

Known to his many friends as Paddy, he was widely recognized as a handler of some repute, training some real stars over the many years he was involved in the sport.

In fact, Pat trained four classic runners-up. Distant Clamour will be remembered for an incredible year in 1979. Not only did he run up the Derby, but he also ran up the Leger and Cox Cup, while claiming the inaugural Respond Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park beating one of the greatest fields assembled in what was at the time the richest one-off race ever run in Ireland.

Just It was another star for Pat, finishing second in the 1981 Cesarewitch at Navan, while also breaking the 600yd record at Enniscorthy. Kildangan Toir was another exceptional talent, reaching an Oaks final before finishing second in the 1997 Corn Cuchulainn at Harold’s Cross. She was a stayer of some repute.

Kilcannon Hero was another hugely fast hound to pass through Pat’s hands. As a raw youngster he broke the track record at Pat’s favourite track, Enniscorthy, and went on to be an influential sire, siring Perry Pusher who would later throw Droopys Kewell and Tiny Bud.
Many of Pat’s biggest nights in the sport came at Enniscorthy. With the help of his wife Cora, the duo took almost every major honour available at the southeastern venue, including the April Stakes and the Grand Prize.

Pat loved nothing more than producing one to win at Enniscorthy or Shelbourne Park. A shrewd judge, who could prepare one to peak on the night that mattered, he will be fondly remembered by all. We would like to send our sincerest condolences to his wife Cora, his sons Ken and Ian, his brother Tom-Joe, sisters Mary, Breda and Beth, his beloved grandchildren Daniel, Cian, Brian, Tiernan and Sorcha, his extended family and his many friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Funeral Details

Patrick Jones, Redcross, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Channel Road, Rush, Co. Dublin, 20th February 2024, peacefully, in the excellent care of the staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Beloved husband of Cora and loving father of Ken and Ian. Sadly missed by his family, daughters-in-law Laura and Maria, grandchildren Daniel, Cian, Brian, Tiernan and Sorcha, brother Tom-Joe, sisters Mary, Beda and Beth, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Predeceased by his brother Nicky and sister Corina. 

Rest in peace 

Reposing at his home on Wednesday, 21st February, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Barraniskey, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. A recording of the Mass will be available for viewing on Thursday afternoon.

Those wishing to send on a condolence can do so HERE.