Death of former Fairyhouse Racecourse manager, Norman Colfer

The death has occurred of Norman Colfer, who was manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse for 20 years, and was responsible for the Irish Grand National being sponsored for the first time, in 1970. He was 91.

He died peacefully on Tuesday at Kilbrew Demesne Nursing Centre, Curraha, Ashbourne.

The Wexford native began his career as an auctioneer with Smith Griffin in Dawson Street, Dublin, after graduating from Trinity college, then moving to JC Brady cattle sales in Kells.  He also worked with Goffs. He had an enthusiasm for attending race meetings, and in 1968, became manager of Fairyhouse racecourse, a post he held for twenty years.

The challenge of securing sponsorship for the racecourse saw the Irish Grand National sponsored for the first time in 1970, becoming the Irish Distillers Grand National. He oversaw the introduction of corporate sponsorship, which changed the nature of racing, and subsequently required the building of a new stand with private boxes at Fairyhouse.

He became secretary of the Irish Racecourse Association.

Predeceased by his first wife Vera Heywood Jones, he is survived by his wife,  Ann, sons Mark and Paul, stepson Christopher, stepdaughter Sara, grandchildren Jake and Eoin, nieces, nephews, nieces and nephews in law, relatives and his many dear friends.

His Funeral Mass takes place on Thursday morning in the Church Of The Holy Trinity, Ratoath, at 11am. Cremation afterwards in Glasnevin Crematorium at 2pm. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to The Injured Jockeys Fund, c/o Michael Ryan Undertakers, Ashbourne.