We lost a good Offaly man in 2020 - Pat Smullen made us proud in life and death
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As we reach the end of the very strange year that has been 2020, the Offaly Express remembers Pat Smullen. The nine-time champion jockey passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer in September. His loss was felt across the racing world, but most keenly in his beloved community of Rhode. Covid-19 restrictions limited numbers at his funeral but the outpouring of grief was immense.
Pat Smullen so often lit up the winner's enclosure at the Curragh. His strength, dedication and sheer drive in the saddle earned him nine Irish Champion Jockey titles, an Epsom Derby and two Irish Derby crowns at the hallowed Kildare track. The sight of his coffin at the gates of the course after his death from pancreatic cancer back in September was truly heartbreaking.