The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon has today (Tuesday) paid tribute to Croom jockey John Thomas McNamara who has passed away at the age of 41.
“John Thomas was an inspiration to the people of Limerick and beyond in the way he coped with his life changing injuries following the horrific fall he sustained in Cheltenham in March 2013,” the Mayor said.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Caroline and children Dylan, Harry and Olivia at this time. They have lost a wonderful husband and father, in addition to the racing world losing one of its own.”
“He had a stellar amateur career riding more than 600 winners, and was one of Ireland’s foremost point to point jockeys. His standing in the horse racing community was apparent to see by all, and it was never more so than at the charity event for JT in Limerick Racecourse in October 2013 which was attended by some of the most influential people in the industry.”
“JT’s drive to not let his injuries define him can only be described as courageous. Despite being paralysed, JT was determined to use his vast knowledge of horses to continue to pursue a career in the racing industry and turned his attention to training and he operated the Springfield Stables in Croom,” the Mayor added.
“Sometimes we take for granted the jockeys who go out and ride, putting their lives at risk for our enjoyment and pleasure.”
“In the coming months, I will talk to the family of John Thomas and the local horse racing community to see how best we can remember JT,” said Mayor O’Hanlon.
