27/11/2025
You give thanks on Thanksgiving Day. So the first round of thanks starts with John O'Meara, who eight years ago, at Darley Stud's Lexington operation, shared his brother Matthew's phone number.
It was the day after the 2017 Rolex Kentucky wrapped up and an added bonus was this feature on one of the Toomevara brothers, who had worked in the bloodstock industry in Australia and the States.
It was a kind of 'a day in the life' feature so after leaving Darley, it was back to John’s Milestone Farm, to hear the rest of the story.
Of course you'd have heard of Milestone. And Prefairy, who the late Jack Powell sung the praises of in his feature, also in The Irish Field, in 2010.
As sharp-as-a-tack, even after 10 decades on this planet, it was hard to figure out who Jack thought the most of: Prefairy or the O’Meara brothers, who as youngsters took over running their father Jim's farm and stallions in Toomevara.
That first phonecall to Matthew afterwards was the start of a great friendship and how sad it is that yesterday we’ve now lost another quiet stalwart.
Quick-witted, the best of company, he loved horses and country life. Carriage driving, hunting, point-to-points, shows, his annual pilgrimage to Dublin Horse Show .. that's where this photo was taken three months ago.
Given free rein by the IDHBA to select a photo for this feature (the What Is An ID discussion for another day), it had to be this one; one of his proudest moments stepping into Ring 1 for the prizegivings.
We knew, unfortunately, time was being borrowed but had hoped for a longer run and that hope was added to by seeing Matthew in top form on a visit just last Sunday week, still planning ahead and always positive.
Which made yesterday's news unexpected, albeit expected. Still, his family and friends will be thankful, not just today on Thanksgiving, but for ever knowing the effervescent character that was Matthew O'Meara.
Another 'give thanks' anecdote was his first visit to America last November with his wife Catherine and sons James and Damien. The O'Meara men were there to watch John's Grade 2 winner Roses For Deborah sold for $2.4 million at the Keeneland November Sale. What a time to pick for his first visit stateside and he was as proud as punch of his brother's successes.
Another great character gone too soon this year but what a stack of stories and best memories we’ll have of this man from Toomevara.
Another ongoing debate is the definition of an Irish Draught. Susan Finnerty asked both breed organisations for their views
