Former Jockey Dies After Alleged Assault Involving Brother
Paddy Donaghy, 39, passed away days after an incident that occurred following a funeral service in Northern Ireland.
A former jockey has died in hospital aged 39, days after sustaining injuries in an alleged assault involving his older brother. The incident occurred following a funeral service in Northern Ireland.
Paddy Donaghy, who competed in British Flat racing between 2005 and 2014, died on Sunday. The alleged assault took place six days prior at an address in Newtownards, a town located east of Belfast, after the brothers had attended a funeral.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an investigation into Donaghy's death. His older brother, Joseph Donaghy, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates' Court, where he was charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.
During the court proceedings, it was stated that a 'physical altercation' had occurred between the brothers after they returned from the funeral. The victim's legal team described the case as a 'one-punch case.' A defense lawyer for Joseph Donaghy stated that his client is "absolutely grief-stricken by what has unravelled."
The court adjourned the case to September 23.
In a statement, the PSNI confirmed: "Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man aged in his thirties. The man died in hospital on Sunday, following an incident at a house in Stratheden Heights, Newtownards, on September 7. There are no further details at this time."
Paddy Donaghy had over 60 career wins as a jockey, riding for trainers such as Pat Haslam and Jedd O'Keeffe. His final race was at Wolverhampton in October 2014, and his last victory was in June of that year aboard a horse named Hamble at Lingfield.
Donaghy also rode in Bahrain, where he was a well-regarded member of the racing community. His most successful year was 2008, when he achieved a seasonal best of 18 wins and earned his highest prize money total of £87,810.
His cousin, Gerard, paid tribute on social media Tuesday, writing, "My heart aches in a way I can't really put into words." A death notice for Paddy Donaghy also read: "Peacefully in hospital. Late of Stratheden Heights, Newtownards. Dearly loved son of John and Sarah Donaghy. Much loved brother of Joseph, Brona and her husband Simon and Sarah. A loving and devoted father of Lennon, a dear uncle to his many nieces and nephews. RIP."