The late Peggy Brabazon bred Grand National favourite

Looking like taking the "favourite" role in the English Grand National is the nine year old horse "Vic Venturi" - a horse that was bred in Castlepollard by the late Peggy Brabazon and her daughter-in-law, Catherine.Sadly, Peggy won't be around to witness Vic Venturi's fate in the race, as she died on Tuesday of last week, February 16, peacefully at her home at Woodlawn, Castlepollard at the age of 84.Mrs. Brabazon, nee O'Neill, was an energetic and full-of-life woman, who loved sport, but especially, anything to do with horses.A native of Bonnington, Drumcree, she was a keen tennis player, and a keen huntswoman, having ridden with the Ballymacad and the Westmeaths. She was also a successful breeder, and even before breeding Vic Venturi, she waved off from the farm at Castlepollard many horses that later went on to enjoy successes in the world of racing.Educated at Glengara Park school in Dublin, she went on to work on the house staff at Alexandra College in Dublin, and she eventually became House Mistress there.In 1953, she married Fitz Brabazon, himself also a great sports enthusiast, whom she met through their joint love of tennis. Fitz, who predeceased his wife in 1992, was especially talented at hockey, and he played for Connaught.Upon her marriage, Peggy surrendered her job in Dublin and threw herself into her new life in Castlepollard. She hunted right up into her 60s, and also enjoyed a game of whist. Mrs. Brabazon was also involved in the Country Markets in Castlepollard, selling eggs and cakes on a weekly basis.In good health until around Christmas when she began to suffer somewhat from arthritis, Mrs. Brabazon's death brought great sadness to her son Robert, his wife Caroline, and their three sons, Ben, Alan and Arthur; also to her only sibling, her brother Frank O'Neill of Kells, to whom she was very close; and his wife Sheila and their children, as well as to her extended family and her many friends.The removal took place on Wednesday February 17 to St. Michael's Church, Castlepollard, and the funeral service was conducted jointly by Mr. John McKay and Fr. Patrick Moore. The remains were interred at the adjoining cemetery.