Jockey dead at 39 after alleged one-punch attack by own brother
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A former jockey has died at the age of 39 after allegedly being punched by his own brother.
Paddy Donaghy died in hospital this week, six days after the alleged one-punch assault in a town near Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Former jockey Paddy Donaghy. Alamy Stock Photo
Before he died, his older brother Joseph appeared in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
The court heard the brothers got into an altercation following a funeral, and Joseph allegedly punched Paddy, resulting in him being hospitalised and later dying.
In a statement to the court through his lawyer, Joseph said he was “absolutely grief-stricken by what has unravelled”.
The case has been adjourned to next week but the charges are likely to change now Paddy has died.
His cousin Gerard posted a tribute on social media following the death.
“My heart aches in a way I can’t really put into words,” it said.
Donaghy is survived by his son Lennon, his parents, and three siblings including Joseph.
A local death notice said he was also “a dear uncle to his many nieces and nephews”.
His funeral will be held on Friday.
Donaghy was a professional jockey from 2005 to 2014 and rode 63 winners over his career.
He predominantly rode in Ireland but also spent time in Bahrain riding.
Tributes have begun pouring in from the Irish racing community
“It’s very sad news,” said fellow jockey Paul Mulrennan.
“I feel for his little boy Lennon, who’s only five, and the whole family.
“Paddy was a great lad. Wherever he went, everyone liked him.
"He was a good, solid rider. As with a lot of young lads, the scales were a struggle for him. Yet he was still great craic, very funny and very witty. Even though his career probably didn't pan out how he would have wanted, he was still happy-go-lucky. He had a good heart and was liked wherever he went."
Donaghy’s former trainer Jedd O’Keeffe was shocked by the death.
“It was a terrible shock and an absolute tragedy,” he told local media.
"He was a wonderful character, a really likeable lad and fun to be around."
