Tributes paid to popular Kildare businessman and racehorse owner laid to rest at weekend

Tributes continue to be paid to well-known businessman and racehorse owner Dermot Cox who was laid to rest at the weekend.

Dermot Cox - who was aged in his mid 70s and lived at Rosetown Stud, Athgarvan -  passed away in Blackrock Clinic last week surrounded by his loving family. 

Mr Cox owned many leading National Hunt Horses including Cheltenham Festival hero Back In Front and Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Tranquil Sea  and previously ran the successful Cox’s Cash & Carry business in Newbridge.

Cox's Cash & Carry was sold in 2022 to BWG Foods, which operates the Spar network. The business, which was established in 1964, had a turnover of €16m in 2019.

Ceann Comhairle Sean O’Fearghaíl was one of many to offer condolences to the Cox family. 

Mr O Fearghaíl said: “Dermot Cox was a remarkable businessman, wise, astute and far-sighted. He was also an absolute gentleman and a thoroughly good and kind person.”

Mr Cox has a very close association with Punchestown Racecourse and was inducted into the Punchestown Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Punchestown CEO Conor O'Neill said: "On behalf of all at Punchestown, we extend our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the Cox family.

 “Dermot played an instrumental role at Punchestown for many years. He was a former vice chairman of Punchestown racecourse, he was a proud member of the Kildare Hunt Club and was also a master of the Kildare Hunt Club. His significant contribution to the track was acknowledged at this year's festival.

“He leaves behind him a number of legacies and played a pivotal role in establishing a tradition of UK-trained horses coming to Punchestown after Cheltenham.

"He created that tradition - more or less single-handedly to be fair to him - and also played a massive role in the redevelopment of the racecourse in 1998.

"He is a massive part of Punchestown's history, there is no doubt.”

Mr Cox also had close links with the Sarsfield GAA Club who issued a statement. 

A tribute also came from Fianna Fáil TD Seán Haughey and his wife Orla who said: "Sincere sympathy to the Cox family on Dermot’s passing. He was a wonderful man - so kind and generous and will be greatly missed by us all."

Dermot was the loving husband of the late Ann and much-loved father of David, Louise, Aoife and Patrick, daughters-in-law Tamso & Vicky, son-in-law Kevin, treasured grandfather of Dermot, India, Isla, Sarah, Patrick, Louis and Tiger and extended family.

Mr Cox was laid to rest in St Conleth's Cemetery on Saturday following Funeral Mass at St Conleth’s Parish Church.