AS a man of a certain vintage, the name Val Joyce has a special meaning. Looking back now we have a greater appreciation for the good he did for Irish racing, just as his colleague Colm Murray did too. How fortunate we were to have such cheerleaders for our sport.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Val personally as a consequence of his friendship with my late parents, and when I posted the news of his passing this week, I was not surprised to have so many nice comments made about the distinguished, and very distinctive, broadcaster.