FORMER racecourse bookmaker Jim Mullane, of Croagh, Co Limerick, sadly passed away last Wednesday.

A proud Limerick man, he had a lifelong passion for horse racing and greyhounds. In the 1970s, he worked as a bookmaker at the old Markets Field in Limerick, as well as at racecourses and point-to-points throughout Ireland.

Jim visited every racecourse in Ireland and many in the UK, but Galway and Listowel held a special place in his heart. He particularly loved the Listowel Harvest Festival, attending four days of racing at this year’s meeting.

In later years, Jim got immense pleasure from following the horses he was involved with alongside his son John and friends, particularly Shelly Banks and Queen’s Pardon. Seeing both horses win at the Curragh gave him some of his proudest and happiest days in racing.

Above all, Jim loved the people he met through racing, the friendships he made and the conversations along the way.

Survived by his wife Kathleen and sons John, James and Gerard, Jim Mullane will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends throughout the racing community.

May he rest in peace.

J.M.