Mayo racecourse pays special tribute to the late Mike Joyce

Ballinrobe and the wider horseracing community in Mayo is in mourning this week after the death of Michael Joyce of Rathredmond, Ballinrobe.

Michael, better known to all as Mike, died on Wednesday, March 5, in the Mater Hospital in Dublin, after a long illness very bravely borne with his family by his side.

Mike was a familiar face to everyone who attended meetings at Ballinrobe Racecourse and the following special tribute has been published by the racecourse to mark Mike's passing:

“We received the heart-breaking news of the passing of an icon of our track and one of our esteemed directors, Mike Joyce. Mike’s family home overlooks the racecourse, making it one of the first sights to greet him each morning. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, Tommy, gaining an intimate knowledge of every inch of the grounds.

“He often shared stories from those early days - keeping watch for trainers arriving the night before race day, hopping on his bike to welcome them and assign their stables. He spoke fondly of the days when light planes landed in the centre of the track and how he took pride in keeping the surface smooth for them.

“Beyond the racecourse, Mike was an avid golfer, honing his skills at the course once located here before later playing in Cloonacastle. He dedicated much of his professional life to Eir, but no matter where his work took him, his heart remained with the track. His day often began with an early morning walk with his beloved wife, Maura, through the racecourse - his second home. Any conversation with Mike would inevitably turn to the racecourse, a place he was deeply passionate about.

“A man of many talents, Mike was gifted with his hands, but what truly set him apart was his connection with people. On race days, he worked in the parade ring, welcoming owners and sponsors with warmth and enthusiasm. He had an unrivalled knowledge of horses and an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome. His determination, generosity, and kind spirit were truly unparalleled.

“On behalf of the Ballinrobe Racecourse Directors, Committee, and staff, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mike’s devoted wife, Maura, and the Joyce family. His legacy at Ballinrobe will endure, and he will be deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

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Michael Duffy, Editor of The Mayo News, who works as the parade ring announcer at Ballinrobe Racecourse, said Mike's absence will be truly missed once the new racing season gets up and running at the racecourse on Friday, April 11.

“I had the pleasure of working in the parade ring with Mike on many race-days over the last 15 years and it is safe to say that you couldn't meet a friendlier or more hospitable individual at any racecourse in the country. Mike revelled in his roll as the racecourse representative in the parade ring. He simply loved welcoming the winning owners to the podium to collect their prizes and he made it his business to make sure each and everyone of them felt that extra bit special. He never forgot a face and his knowledge of the trainers and jockeys was forensic. Ballinrobe Racecourse was in his heart and he went out of his way to make sure the course was regarded as one of the best in country. He will be truly missed and my sympathies go out to his wife Maura, the Joyce family and a huge circle of friends which he developed over a lifelong love of racing. May he rest in peace.”

Mike was predeceased by his parents Tom and Martha. He is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Maura, brother PJ, sisters Mary, Angela Quinn, Geraldine Conneely, Hilary Flannery, sister-in-law Breda Keane, Assumpta Quinn, brothers-in-law Michael Keane, TJ Quinn, Alan Flannery, Liam Quinn and Tony Conneely, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, friends and work colleagues in Eir, Ballinrobe Racecourse, and Ballinrobe Golf Club.

Reposing will take place at the reception hall in Ballinrobe Racecourse on Friday evening, March 7, from 5pm with removal at 8pm to St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe.

Requiem Mass is on Saturday morning, March 8, at 10am with the funeral proceeding to the new cemetery, Ballinrobe.