Community is plunged into grief at tragic arson death

Date Published: 08-Sep-2009

PRAYERS were said at all Masses in the Claregalway area over the weekend as the local community was plunged into disbelief following the horrific death of young Jamie Kyne.
Jamie (18), who was regarded as one of the best up and coming jockeys in England, was the victim of a suspected arson attack on a block of flats in a North Yorkshire town where he was living.
He and another apprentice jockey, Jan Wilson (19) from Scotland, lost their lives in the tragedy which resulted in a 30 years old man being arrested.
The fire broke out at a block of flats in Norton near Malton in North Yorkshire in the early hours of Saturday morning.
About 60 firefighters tackled the fire at the large red brick building, which is known as the Tannery and used as accommodation for apprentice jockeys.
On Sunday, Thirsk and Kempton racecourses observed a period of silence as a mark of respect to the victims.
Jockeys at Stratford were wearing black armbands in tribute and York racecourse was flying its flags at half-mast.
Tragic Jamie was described as “a role model for young people” by his cousin and member of Galway County Council Jarlath McDonagh.
The jockey, who rode 29 winners during the current season, was being tipped as a potential winner of the apprentice jockey of the year award in England and was tipped for a bright future in the sport.
The son of Gerry and Madeline Kyne who run a stud farm at Kiltrogue, Claregalway, he attended Cregmore National School and Athenry Vocational School and also had a keen interest in hurling.