TWO Co Louth racecourse bookmakers passed away earlier this month.

Seamus (Shay) Rooney (61) from Ardee died suddenly on December 6th within days of being diagnosed with leukaemia. Just three days later Sean ‘Jack’ Kelly (62) from Tallanstown also died suddenly, having contracted Covid-19.

Both men were steeped in bookmaking. Shea’s father Frank was an old-time bookie and all six sons worked in the business.

The Rooneys worked horse racing, greyhounds, point to points, pony racing and trotting from York to Dingle.

Our sympathies go to Gerry, Noel, Ken, Mickey, Ken, and Alan. Shea is survived by four children, their mother and he had a partner, Joyce.

Sean Kelly was known to some as Johnny and best known as ‘Jack’ after his grandfather who started the business. Sean and his brother Michael worked far and wide as ‘Jack Kelly’ with their grandfather and father Owen. He leaves a wife and three children.

May they both rest in peace.