13th March 2011.
It is almost one month now since Connemara Pony Breeder, the iconic Joe Gorham passed away at his home in Clifden. The sadness still lingers in the hearts of all who knew and respected him as he was the most pleasant, friendly and helpful man at all times, whether talking about his beloved family, or the other love of his life, his Connemara ponies. Silver Fort had been a firm favourite of his and had produced over 18 Clifden winners for the Gorham family during her breeding years. She died at 34 just a few years ago, this mare he had bought at the day-after-the-Show in Clifden. in 1983. Her progeny down to fourth-generation are still to be seen grazing the meadows at the Kingstown farm a little north of Clifden.
Belle of the Ball was his first Clifden Supreme Champion in ’78. There followed Rocky in ’91, Kingstown Molly 2nd in ’05 and Kingstown Dana in ’08. Just last year, in 2011, he and his wife Annie were so happy to take home a Connemara Society Hall of Fame Award. To his wife and family go our miost sincere regrets. Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris.
Thank you Niamh for your kind words.You were always a firm favorite of our Dads who just loved your page.Keep up the good work….Regards John Gorham
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Eoin and I loved to meet your father in Clifden. I was glad to be able to express something of the affection we all felt for him
Niamh
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Sincere condolences from the Mulholland family, Lurgan, Co.Armagh. We have stayed a few times in the B&B just above Glenbrickeen Farm with Theresa and Martin O’Toole, and had a brief visit with Malachy and the ponies back a few years ago, though we were not fortunate enough to meet the patriarch of the family. It was an honour at that time to meet Silver Fort and her relations, and we have two of her beautiful grand-daughters in our herd. May the Kingstown Ponies be an everlasting memorial. Féadfaidh an beannachtaí Dé a bheith air.
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