Gavin Cromwell.

Death of Angela Cromwell, mother of trainer Gavin

It has been a poignant day for Balrath trainer Gavin Cromwell as his mother, Angela, passed away on the day he was nominated for a National Hunt Achievement Award by Horse Racing Ireland.

It was while living with his mother at Kiltale that Gavin first took an interest in horses, as there were stables next door, and his father, Vincie, a hunting and racing fanatic, later introduced him to the horsey scene, where he started working for summers at Dessie Hughes' stables. Angela (nee Kettle) had spent most of her life around her own father's point-to-pointers.

Tragedy was to strike the family when Vincie died as a young man in a freak accident, and again when Gavin's brother, Lee, died in a car accident.

Mother of Gavin, Jennie and Dara, Angela is survived by her family, nine grandchildren, daughters-in-law Kiva and Suzie, son-in-law Sean, brothers-in-law Gerry, Val, Martin and Tony, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and her many dear friends.

Her remains are reposing at Gavin and Kiva's home at Danestown, Balrath (C15DKD5) from 4pm to 8pm this Wednesday evening. Removal on Thursday morning to St Mary's Church, Ardcath, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Ardcath Cemetery. House Private on Thursday morning.

The nominees for the 2018 Horse Racing Ireland Awards were announced today, with 26 Irish trainers, jockeys and horses in contention for the awards.