Ex-jockey dies following Newtonards alleged assault

He died in hospital after an incident at a property

A man who passed away on Sunday following an alleged assault in Newtownards the previous week has been identified as former jockey Patrick (Paddy) Donaghy.

The 39 year old was a flat racing jockey operating out of Britain for ten years from 2005 to 2014, notching up more than 60 victories throughout a career that included regular rides for northern England-based trainers Pat Haslam and Jedd O’Keeffe.

Mr Donaghy died in hospital after an incident at a property in the Stratheden Heights area of the County Down town on Monday, 7 September.

His final race was at Wolverhampton in October 2014, while the last of his 63 career wins came aboard a horse called Hamble at Lingfield in June 2014.

His brother, Joseph Donaghy, 46, appeared before Newtownards Magistrates Court last week facing charges of causing grievous bodily harm relating to the incident.

The PSNI have declined to release additional information about the circumstances of the incident or how the man came to be hospitalised.

Police announced the investigation into the man’s death on Monday, 14 September, six days after the incident at the residence.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement 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.”

A death notice for Donaghy published on Funeral Times 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.

“Service in St Patrick’s Parish Church, North Street, Newtownards on Friday 18th September at 11:00am, followed by committal in Movilla Cemetery. House Strictly Private Family Only.

“Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to ICU Ulster Hospital may be made online at https://sclarkeandson.co.uk/donate. Or cheques payable to SEH & SCTrust. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the entire family circle.”

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