THEY came from north and south to the funeral of one of Ireland's best known horse dealer and businessman, Paddy Kelly of Londonderry, who died suddenly at Altnagelvin Hospital last Wednesday.

Paddy, who was in his late sixties was the son of the legendary horse dealers Gretta and Alfie Kelly from Londonderry. Paddy's mother Gretta was the former Miss Torrens and a familiar face in the city where she was always out and about with her beloved horses.

Paddy inherited his parents love of all things equine, and he was soon to become one of Ireland's main names in finding horses for all types of competition including selling to Harvey Smith and many of Ireland's international riders with whom he was a personal friend.

He was a regular face at the monthly Goresbridge and Cavan Horse Sales and found at the fairs and marts throughout Ireland including his beloved Ballinasloe Horse Fair on the famous Green in County Galway .

Last autumn, Paddy was a regular at Ballinasloe dealing for horses and ponies. He was in his element setting prices: 'Hold out your hand,' he would shout, as another happy vendor found a new owner in the Derry man, who would set the price with a decent smack on the palm.

Paddy was the old school - a real character and one who knew a good horse from a 'wrong one.' He knew the finer points of horses - whether it had 'scope' or a 'brain' - and more importantly if there was profit in it.

Jim Derwin, whose late father Francie had known and dealt with Paddy for years said: "Paddy will be sadly missed. We knew him a lifetime - he was a great dealer and a good man to set the price of a horse. Everyone will miss him at the sales - he was a gentleman and had a great sense of humour. "

Paddy Kelly was a mentor to many young riders who started from Londonderry and best friends with Jimmy McCloskey and the Coyle family whose son Trevor from Lismacarroll went on to be ranked number ten in the world. In the days when David Vine reported Horse of the Year Show from Wembley Arena, Paddy Kelly was always there in the background supporting Irish riders and enjoying the competitions with his friends.

Paddy was a supporter to everyone. He knew all the up and coming young horses and was a familiar face at Eglinton Equestrian Centre and Inishowen Horse Sales travelling to shows the length and breadth of Ireland.

Hundreds from the equestrian world attended his funeral, with many from the showjumping sphere. Jim McEvoy of the Northern Ireland Horse Board was one of those, as were Mr and Mrs Billy Roulston of the Causeway Coast showjumpers, Portrush, Mr Alwyn Coyle, James Kernan, Harry Marshall, Eamon and Carol Rice, The O'Brien family, Paul McAteer to name but a few.

Requiem mass was celebrated at St Oliver Plunkett Church on Saturday. Paddy's funeral carriage was pulled by two Black Friesian horses complete with black plumes.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Mary, son Patrick and daughters Maria, Patricia, Angela and Siobhan. - RL