The death took place on Thursday, October 8, 2015, of Alexander Thomas Presho, a well known member of the equestrian world, of Greenhill Road, Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh. Alex, as he was fondly known, was the dear husband of 19 years to Louise and darling dad to James (15) and Mark (13). Alex was the only child of Robbie and Madeline Presho. His untimely death occurred on his 42nd birthday and also the date of his mother’s birthday.

Alex, born on October 8, 1973, was well known over Ireland and Great Britain and further afield in equestrian circles as a breeder, rider, showman, carriage driver and farrier etc.

As a boy he attended Brookeborough Primary School and Lisnaskea High School.

On a sunny autumn Sunday afternoon, October 11, hundreds of mourners (including friends from equestrian circles) gathered at Aghavea Parish Church near Brookeborough to pay their last respects – many unable to get into the church due to the enormity of the crowd.

A pair of Friesian horses harnessed to a horse drawn hearse carried Alex’s coffin from his home to the church followed by huntsmen and their hounds from Fermanagh Harriers (with whom Alex had hunted).

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Alex was conducted by the Rev. Gary McMurray and was relayed to the crowd outside the church. The hymns were ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘What a Friend’ and ‘On a Hill far away’.

A glowing report on Alex’s career in the equestrian field, as a rider, breeder, trainer and showman was given. Acknowledged was Alex’s wonderful achievement in 2014 on gaining the Tandem Bars (these were gained by driving a Tandem at specified British Driving Society shows) – the only person in Ireland to do so.

Alex was well known in carriage driving circles having achieved many Championships and first prizes. One of the many horses bred by Alex was ‘Brookeborough Flash Jack’ which has won many prizes worldwide.

The family invited everyone to join them for tea in the adjoining Parish Church Hall after the burial service.

Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Alexander are going to Marie Curie Cancer Care and Aghavea Parish Church, c/o W.T. Morrison, Funeral Directors, 41, Darling Street, Enniskillen, who looked after the funeral arrangements.

The Officer Bearers and Members of Northern Ireland Branch-British Driving Society convey heartfelt and sincere sympathy to Alex’s wife Louise, sons James and Mark, his father Robbie and mother Madeline and the family circle on the great loss of their member, whom they will miss.