THE death occurred on April 30th of Clonmel-based on-course bookmaker Jerry McDonnell. Originally from Carrick-On-Suir, Jerry passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Tipperary University Hospital. His front-line pitch poignantly remained vacant at Punchestown, and was marked with the flag of his beloved home county.

Jerry was a primary school teacher until his retirement in 2010. He took out an on-course bookmakers’ licence in 1999, and the McDonnell name holds prominent positions in most of the betting rings on Ireland’s racecourses.

Jerry has worked closely alongside his son Brian for the last 15 years, and he will now assume the mantle of continuing his father’s legacy on-course.

Jerry is survived by his wife Agnes and his two sons; John who is part of the marketing team at Tattersalls Ireland, and Brian.