The Irish racing community and his parishioners in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare were shocked Friday to learn of the sudden passing on Thursday night in Tallaght Hospital of parish priest Sean Breen.The 72-year-old native of Cavan was featured regularly on television and radio during the Cheltenham and Galway festivals when saying Mass at both venues.
He pioneered the involvement of the clergy in the sport and was regarded by lifelong friend and trainer Joanna Morgan as a lucky owner, with syndicate horses he shared in winning an estimated 50 races in the past decade.
"He was so lucky in racing that people would give him a share hoping to enjoy the same good fortune. He helped me get started as a trainer when I retired from race-riding," Morgan remembered.
Fr Breen passed away just hours after Morgan's Miss Gorica won the first thoroughbred race of the 2009 Carnival meeting in Dubai, where their most famous horse One Won One raced often.
He is survived by his brothers Fr Dan, a retired parish priest, and Ciaran as well as nephew Donal.
The removal was on Sunday to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymore Eustace at 7.0pm, followed by the funeral Mass at noon on Monday.
The burial was to Glencullen cemetery, Co Dublin.
I personally was very honoured to have officiated with Fr Seán on ocassion and he truly was a man of God who helped the many who came to his door.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
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Sotto Voce
(Source: PVT)