Ryan family are a credit to racing

Sir -–

For me the October 7th edition of The Irish Field really stood out because of two smashing pieces: Daragh Ó Conchúir’s fine interview with Jim Bolger, who was at his iconic best, but it was John O’Riordan’s Heart of Racing column that had to be put aside lest it would go as kindling for autumnal fires.

The Ryan family of Fairyhill, in the shadow of the Devil’s Bit, sum up all that is best in Irish racing. It is the like of John Ryan and his equally enthusiastic and sporting family that keep racing, point-to- point and hunting going.

I remember the Ryan girls well from their days hunt chasing for the Golden Vale, every one of them a jockey in the making. Win or lose, they came back with a broad smile.

After many luckless years, John and his daughters Gillian and Deirdre are now up there with the big boys. So far this season they have already won close to €250,000.

When the big money yards are but a footnote in history it will the small sporting trainers like the Ryans of Fairyhill that will be still there through thick and thin. - Yours etc.,

DICKIE POWER

Kilmallock,

Co Limerick