IT was with great sadness that I learned last Friday night of the sudden death earlier in the day of Jim Allen, point-to-point enthusiast, sheep dealer and landowner of the equestrian centre and point-to-point track at Maralin - or Moira as he liked to call it. ‘

‘When the point-to-point was held in the other field the name was fine as that field is nearer Maralin; the field we now use is nearer Moira!’’ Big Jim said to me with passion back in 2006 when explaining how he used sheep to keep the ground right at the track.

Mourners at his funeral learned that Allen had been an All-Ireland champion sheep shearer and represented the island in international competitions in New Zealand.

Jim loved most sports and was a very good rugby player in his younger days, lining out at junior level for Lurgan before enjoying a successful senior career with Civil Service Belfast.

Once his playing days were over, he filled many roles at Lurgan, from coach to President of the Club, and willingly gave of his time. He was also good at golf and keen on cricket.

He established and ran the Rugby Taverners, playing 20 over cricket on Friday evenings at Pollock Park. “Dad was extremely proud of the track here at Moira,” said Allen’s son Paddy on Tuesday, “and Mum and I have decided to go ahead with the Iveagh meeting next Saturday (November 7th) as that is what he would have wanted.”

On Wednesday, a Service of Thanksgiving was held St. John’s Parish Church, Moira for Jim who was predeceased by son Christopher.

The large crowd which attended the service was testament to Allen’s standing in the local community and further afield.

We extend our sympathy to Jim’s wife Margaret, son Paddy and other family members.