Michael “Daffer” Kelly, a longtime stallion man at the Irish National Stud, passed away peacefully on March 5.
Kelly was synonymous with many of the Irish National Stud's stallions over the years and was particularly associated with the outstanding sire Invincible Spirit, whom he handled throughout the horse's distinguished stud career. A respected and familiar figure to breeders and visitors alike, Kelly was widely admired for his horsemanship and dedication.
Having joined the Irish National Stud in 1988, Kelly devoted his career to the Kildare operation.
Said Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale, “Daffer was one of a kind, a horseman through and through. He looked after so many of our stallions over the years, but we will always picture him hand in hand with Invincible Spirit, who he adored. He will be greatly missed by all of us at INS. May he rest in peace.”
Funeral arrangements are available via RIP.ie.
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