30/08/2026
Was there a greater Irish showman than Dessie Gibson? Dessie, sadly, passed away today and while it may seem like an unusual opening line, showing simply was Dessie's life.
Gifted every which way, whether in spotting a diamond in the rough, his immaculate turnout and preparation of his young horses, broodmares and foals, his ringmanship, an incredible grasp of pedigrees and bloodlines and most of all, a gentleman.
The Dromara showman must have won every major showing title there was to win on this island; All Ireland finals, Balmoral, Breeders Championships or Dublin titles .. Dessie won them all, between himself and his right-hand team of recent years, Shirley Hurst and David Alcorn.
Years ago he stabled his Porsch yearling with us the night before the then-All Ireland yearling final in Ballinasloe; the banter, craic and turnout tips were next level. And, of course, he won the next day.
Nothing stopped the Dromara man, even teaching himself to plait again, having suffered a stroke some 20 years ago by tying three lengths of string to a chair back and practising that way. Determined and dedicated summed him up.
In hindsight, it was unusual not to see Dessie at Moate Agricultural Show last Sunday. Always there, either scouting or spectating. Still at Bannow & Rathangan Show, still at Dublin just weeks ago.
Ring 1 in Dublin was his World Cup pitch; here he is with Greenhall Treasure Island, bred by another good friend Derry Rothwell and yet another treasured title.
Smiling looking at this photo, because there in the background is the late Terence McKeag on 'Ears up!' duty. No doubt many a Dublin result will now be relived in the Ringside Up Above between this pair. :-)
To Dessie's family and many, many friends in the show world, on both sides of the Irish Sea, sincere condolences.
We're lucky to have had and have so many great showpersons on this island - for me, Dessie Gibson was the supreme champion.
The show is over, now rest in peace.
