Tributes following death of leading jumps trainer Bill Harney at the age of 84

Tom Taaffe has led the tributes to Bill Harney, the trainer of Monanore, Boreen Belle, Aughanvilla and more recently Joxer, who died after a short illness on Sunday. He was 84.

Harney supplied Taaffe with a steady stream of winners in the 1980s and the trainer-rider combination is best known through their association with Monanore, who finished third to Rhyme 'n' Reason in the 1988 Grand National.

Bill Harney: trained Monanore to be third in the Grand National in 1988Credit: Patrick McCann

Taaffe said: “The Harney family are an iconic racing family and my condolences go to Bill's wife Imelda, sons Patrick and David and daughters Linda and Rachel. A qualified veterinarian, Bill was a fantastic trainer when given the horse and he was a close friend of the late Dessie Hughes.”

Taaffe added: “He was a great man to ride for and we had some terrific days together, including with Monanore, who was placed in the 1988 Grand National.

“Bill worked 24/7 and was instrumental in the development of Thurles, which was nicknamed Ireland’s only all-weather track before Dundalk was built. There aren’t many people like him around anymore and he’ll be sorely missed by Irish racing.”

Joxer: a good horse for the Harneys in recent timesCredit: Patrick McCann

Fellow trainer John Ryan described Harney as a “great friend” and echoed Taaffe’s sentiments.

Ryan said: “Bill was a great friend of mine and he trained very good horses in Monanore and Boreen Belle to name only a couple. He was a great trainer and a great vet as well. We had some brilliant times down through the years and he'll be sadly missed.”

Harney is survived by his wife Imelda, sons Patrick and David and daughters Linda and Rachel.

He will be reposing in Grey’s Funeral Home, Templemore, on Monday evening from 4pm until 7pm. The removal will take place on Tuesday morning to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Templemore, for requiem mass at 10.30am.