EVERY year, there are a couple of stalwarts missing from race meetings, sales, fairs and the ringside. Miceál Casey, or Michael as he was also widely known as, is another such recent loss.

For decades, the 97-year-old Leitrim man and his wife and lifelong companion, Madge, were a constant sight at shows; Michael judging or just out for a day. Armed with catalogues, the couple were usually accompanied by good friends Padraig Fitzpatrick and the late Jenny Harte Lavin, all watching intently from the ringside.