REMEMBRANCE: Tributes paid to Nick O'Toole who had a long association with horseracing in Kildare

Many warm tributes have been paid to the late Nick O’Toole, who passed away recently, at St Brigid’s Hospice, the Curragh, after a short illness.

The Naas resident was well known in the world of horseracing for his love of the sport, the many related exhibitions he staged and his interest in equine memorabilia.

Mr O’Toole had a passion for the iconic Arkle, winner of numerous high profile National Hunt races, including three successive Cheltenham Gold Cups in the 1960s and the 1964 Irish Grand National.

He passed away peacefully, after a short illness, at St. Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh, on September 8.

Naas-based photographer Tony G Murray said it’s difficult to overstate the depth of knowledge and passion that Nick O’Toole possessed for Irish horse racing.

From a very early age, he immersed himself in the sport, earning his living through dealing in equestrian art and memorabilia, with a special focus on the great Arkle.

His work extended beyond collecting.

He aided in the production of at least two documentaries on Arkle — including the award-winning Arkle: The Legend Lives On (2014) which captured the legend’s impact on the sport.

Mr Murray added: “I had the privilege of working with Nick on many of his fabulous exhibitions at Curragh Racecourse.

“He curated major displays honouring Vincent O’Brien, Lester Piggott and others, creating immersive experiences for racing fans and the broader public.

“One moment stands out: he would walk into my studio unannounced, question first ‘Anything interesting here?’, then wander round with that twinkle in his eye, spotting something I’d never have noticed until he pointed it out.

“Nick was more than a collector or curator: he was a friend, a raconteur, a mischief-maker in the best sense.

“Some days I still hear that knock on the studio door  adn I wonder if it’s Nick and of course it’s not. Yet his presence lingers. 

“Nick may be gone, but the world of Irish racing is richer because of him.

He preserved our heritage, he entertained us, and he made us think about the stories behind every poster, every racecard, every framed print.

Over a lifetime span of more than 50 years he built up one of the finest collections of racing memorabilia in Ireland — and beyond — always guided by the belief that these items carry stories and memories, not just value.”

Regina Byrne, of the Association of Irish Racehorse Trainers, said she was saddened to hear of his death describing Nick as “a lovely gentleman to meet at the races or the sales, always up for a chat, a charming compliment and a bit of banter.”

Brian Kavanagh of the Curragh Racecourse described him as a bright light "who would always put a smile on your face when you met him.”

Mr Kavanagh said Nick always had a project in mind and he had happy memories of working with Nick at various exhibitions hosted at the Curragh Racecourse “the very definition of a labour of love done with a wonderful attention to detail.”

One of many friends, Derek Carruthers, said: “I only knew Nick for a few years but his knowledge of horseracing never ceased to amaze me. His stories always came with a laugh and he will be sadly missed.”

Video producer Rory O’Doherty said Nick was a legend in racing, who was full of information. He added they worked closely together on many video productions.

“You always found a spot on the wall for an ideal picture you had that would suit that particular spot. We will miss you,” commented Vincent O’Leary and Camilla Grey of Fletcher’s pub, Naas. 

Nick is survived by his wife Michelle, brother Mick, sisters Anne and Eileen, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and extended family

The hearse bearing his remains paused outside McAuley Place/Church of Our Lady and David, prior to his funeral at Newlands Cross Crematorium, where a celebration of his life was staged at The Temple, on September 11.