Death of successful breeder and prominent Navan personality Joe Keappock

Joe Keappock, successful breeder from his Dunsany Stud in Meath and from a prominent Navan family, has died after a short illness. He was 79.

Keappock was an active and popular member of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, in which he served as a regional chairman, while he was also a former director of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.

His involvement with the ITBA centred on its events committee, with Keappock playing a key role in its annual awards ceremony. Two years ago the organisation made a presentation to him in acknowledgement of those sterling efforts.

One of the best horses he bred was Lincoln Dancer, winner of the 2000 Sandy Lane Stakes and beaten an agonising short head by Agnes World in the Group 1 July Cup a couple of months later.

Lincoln Dancer was the third foal out of Double Grange and by Turtle Island. He was offered by Dunsany Stud at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in 1997 and knocked down to John Troy for 7,000gns. He went through the ring twice more, and carried the green and yellow silks of Michael Baker during his pomp, including for his Haydock win in the Sandy Lane.

In business in Navan since the 1850s, the Keappock family was known for its auctioneering agency, as well as a fruit and vegetable store.

Keappock is survived by wife Catriona and children Joseph, Paul, Jennifer and Ian, along with brothers James and Vincent, and sisters Catherine and Louise.

His funeral mass will take place privately on Monday at 10.30am at St Mary's Church, Navan, followed by cremation at Mount Jerome, Harold's Cross.

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