This Thursday evening (June 6) at the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club will see the launch of a new book on Tralee jockey Bernard Dillon by Stephen Fernane.
The book restores the forgotten tale of Edwardian England’s most celebrated and controversial jockey during the early 1900s.
Bernard was born to a horseracing family in Caherina in 1887 and left for England at the age of thirteen to become an apprentice in Sailsbury.
The book examines his amazing career and rise to the top of his sport that reached a peak in 1910 when winning the prestigious Epsom Derby at the age of twenty-three.
Sadly, Bernard’s life would take a sharp decline following his finest hour when he turned to alcohol and married the famous music-hall artist, Marie Lloyd. That it has taken over a hundred years for someone to tell Bernard’s story is the catalyst for the book.
“The Strand Road club is the ideal and only place to launch this book. Even as a staunchly proud Rock man, I must concede this one!” Stephen said.
“It’s Bernard’s homeplace and having the launch there this Thursday will feel like I’m closing a circle on his life. To write the book is one thing, but being able to launch it in what is his ancestral home is even more important to me,” Stephen added.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club Chairman Oliver Molloy said the book contributes to the local history of Strand Road as many people might not know there was a Derby-winning jockey to come from the famous road.
“We’re delighted to host the launch and it will be an honour for us to welcome Bernard Dillon home on
the night,” said Oliver.
“Even though we’re a GAA club at heart, the club is nothing without the history of the community that
makes it. We would see this book as a great addition to the history of Strand Road,” he added.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s PRO Pat Flavin explained that he has a strong interest in horseracing but was previously unaware of Bernard Dillon’s link with the locality.
“It’s a great Tralee story that started in Strand Road. I think everyone from the community with an
interest in local history and sport will enjoy the book. We’re looking forward to the night,” Pat said.
The launch starts at 7pm this Thursday (June 6) at Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club. A presentation of a framed photograph of Bernard Dillon will be made to the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club on the night.
Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments served. Book price is €15. Available at Polymath Bookstore
in Tralee and online at: www.buythebook.ie/bernarddillon
The book restores the forgotten tale of Edwardian England’s most celebrated and controversial jockey during the early 1900s.
Bernard was born to a horseracing family in Caherina in 1887 and left for England at the age of thirteen to become an apprentice in Sailsbury.
The book examines his amazing career and rise to the top of his sport that reached a peak in 1910 when winning the prestigious Epsom Derby at the age of twenty-three.
Sadly, Bernard’s life would take a sharp decline following his finest hour when he turned to alcohol and married the famous music-hall artist, Marie Lloyd. That it has taken over a hundred years for someone to tell Bernard’s story is the catalyst for the book.
“The Strand Road club is the ideal and only place to launch this book. Even as a staunchly proud Rock man, I must concede this one!” Stephen said.
“It’s Bernard’s homeplace and having the launch there this Thursday will feel like I’m closing a circle on his life. To write the book is one thing, but being able to launch it in what is his ancestral home is even more important to me,” Stephen added.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club Chairman Oliver Molloy said the book contributes to the local history of Strand Road as many people might not know there was a Derby-winning jockey to come from the famous road.
“We’re delighted to host the launch and it will be an honour for us to welcome Bernard Dillon home on
the night,” said Oliver.
“Even though we’re a GAA club at heart, the club is nothing without the history of the community that
makes it. We would see this book as a great addition to the history of Strand Road,” he added.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s PRO Pat Flavin explained that he has a strong interest in horseracing but was previously unaware of Bernard Dillon’s link with the locality.
“It’s a great Tralee story that started in Strand Road. I think everyone from the community with an
interest in local history and sport will enjoy the book. We’re looking forward to the night,” Pat said.
The launch starts at 7pm this Thursday (June 6) at Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club. A presentation of a framed photograph of Bernard Dillon will be made to the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club on the night.
Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments served. Book price is €15. Available at Polymath Bookstore
in Tralee and online at: www.buythebook.ie/bernarddillon
