Wife of trainer Edward O'Grady killed in hunting accident

Maria O’Grady, wife of trainer Edward O’Grady, was tragically killed in a hunting accident in County Tipperary on Saturday. She was 54.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday by Jonathan O’Grady, son of the trainer, who said: “On behalf of Edward and family it is with shock and profound sorrow that I confirm Maria O’Grady died suddenly following a tragic fall on the hunting field.

“Beloved wife, revered mother and ardent friend, she will be inordinately missed.”

The couple have two daughters, Mimi and Rosie Mae and she is also survived by Edward’s older children Jonathan, Amber and Lucy. Born Maria Anderton, O'Grady was originally from Ballymackey, Nenagh, County Tipperary.

As an owner O'Grady enjoyed success with top hunter chaser Sheltering, who was trained by her future husband.

Sheltering, who won 14 times over fences, won four hunter chases carrying her colours between March 1999 and January 2000, scoring at Limerick, Wexford, Fairyhouse and Gowran Park.

He beat subsequent Aintree Grand National winner Monty's Pass at Wexford and Gowran Park, while he also beat Flashing Steel, who had won the Irish Grand National in 1995, in the Joseph O'Reilly Memorial Cup at Fairyhouse.

O'Grady will repose at the family home – Killeens, Ballynonty, County Tipperary – from 4pm to 7pm on Monday. The funeral Mass will take place in the Church of St Joseph the Worker, Moyglass, at 11.30am on Tuesday followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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