NICKY Dee and John Queally have paid tribute to Timmy O’Callaghan, the former point-to-point champion jockey and trainer who died peacefully this week. He was in his late 60s and was racing recently having recovered from poor health a couple of years ago.

The Co Cork man was champion rider between the flags in 1978. He rode a total 174 winners in points over four decades, a feat which earned him the Personality of the Year Award in 1988.

He rode many racecourse winners too, and also enjoyed success as a point-to-point handler and trainer, notably producing subsequent Cheltenham winner Raymylette.

Nicky Dee, who finished second to O’Callaghan in the 1978 championship, was one of his closest friends. “I knew Timmy for over 40 years and we were great friends off the track but it was a different story in a race. Timmy was a hardy fellow and you were in trouble if he ranged up alongside you going to the final fence.

RACING RIVALRY

“In those days you could get away with a lot more out in the country and there would often be murder going on. There was always rivalry between Cork riders like Timmy and those from Waterford such as myself and John Queally, and if Ted Walsh, Colin Magnier or Willie Mullins came on to our patch we would target them. Timmy was a great friend and I’m already missing him.”

John Queally added: “Timmy was as tough as nails on the field, he wouldn’t give you an inch. But he was a great character once off the horse and we never had a row.”

He is survived by his wife Helen and five children. His funeral Mass is at 11.30am today [Saturday], followed by burial in Templenacarriga cemetery.