IRELAND does not have an honours system, and there are regular calls for one to be introduced. The honours system is Britain is long established and one of the oldest awards, at the pleasure of the reigning monarch, is that of Knights Bachelor.

This was the honour bestowed on AP McCoy this week for services to horse racing. Such honours to sportsmen in general are rare, and in racing are even more so. It is in this context that the enormity of the honour should be recognised.