Legendary Irish jockey John Thomas McNamara has passed away.
The Limerick man was just 41 years old when he died at his home overnight, according to reports.
McNamara, who was left paralysed by a fall at Cheltenham in 2013, is reported to have experienced complications on Friday night and was rushed to hospital.
He was then allowed to return home to spend his final days with family and friends.
“It’s a sad day. Isn’t it appropriate that he passed away during the Galway Festival where he would have ridden many a time,” family friend Frankie Ward told the Limerick Leader.
“All his colleagues are there in Galway and will all be thinking of him. He was a great rider, a great personality and he called it as it was. He was a great horseman. He had several winners in the UK and Cheltenham. Nina Carberry took over from him riding a lot of Enda’s (trainer Enda Bolger) horses. They will all be sad but relieved that he is not suffering anymore.
“Hopefully,” Frankie said, “he will enjoy Galway from heaven.”
Everyone from horse owners to fans to footballers paid tributes to a true Irish sporting hero.
Dreadful to hear of the passing of JT McNamara at just 41, thoughts with family and friends
— Sam Turner (@STurnerTipster) July 26, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends of JT McNamara who passed away last night. RIP pic.twitter.com/lvx7XjtgXT
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) July 26, 2016
We're extremely sad to report that JT McNamara has passed away. pic.twitter.com/D8s5qIOblA
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 26, 2016
Very sorry to hear that John Thomas McNamara has passed away. An amazing horseman and an absolute gentleman. RIP pic.twitter.com/MDDBBdz1xh
— Paul Hensey (@HenseyPaul) July 26, 2016
Incredibly sad news this morning about JT McNamara. RIP
— alan reilly (@BoylesportsAR) July 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/conormcelh/status/757843049313558528
https://twitter.com/tomquinny2/status/757841851051155456
Rip JT McNamara
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) July 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/RealDouvan/status/757849149635035136
Very sad news about JT Mcnamara RIP
— Seán Gannon (@CannonGannon9) July 26, 2016
Very sad news this morning, thoughts to friends and family of JT McNamara. RIP https://t.co/PQGvwnb3jo
— Tipperary Racecourse (@tipperaryraces) July 26, 2016
RIP JT McNamara ❤️
— Ross Hyslop (@RossAHyslop) July 26, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of 41 year old JT McNamara, a true great of the Irish racing scene.#JTMcNamara #Rip
— Mark Robinson (@robboma24) July 26, 2016
