ANDREW McNamara, the trainer based in Croom, Co Limerick, died on Wednesday. The 76-year-old had been in poor health recently.

He held a licence for over 45 years and his greatest success came at the 1985 Cheltenham Festival when he saddled Boreen Prince to win the Arkle Chase. Boreen Prince had finished second in the Champion Hurdle two years earlier.

In 1994 he trained Desert Lord to win the Kerry National at Listowel and in the late 1990s his standard bearer was Glin Castle, winner of seven races. He also enjoyed success on the flat, notably with Irish Lincoln winners Colonel James (1987) and Drombeg Dawn (2011).

Despite his ill health, he had runners right up to the time of his death. He was also a veterinary surgeon and served on the council of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association for over 20 years. Very popular with his colleagues, he was admired for his sharp mind and liked for his great sense of humour.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Liz and sons Andrew and Robbie, both of whom have enjoyed success at the top level in racing.

His funeral Mass will be in Manister, Co Limerick on Friday at 1pm followed by burial in the church grounds. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Irish Cancer Society.