Tony Sweeney R.I.P.

[edgt]

Tony Sweeney died Dec 4 in hospital in Dublin.
Many will remember him as Daily Mirror racing correspondent or on RTE racing in the 1970s and early 1980s with Ml O Hehir.
A descendant of Senator J J Parkinson who was top Irish trainer in the early 1900s whose race winning record was surpassed by D K Weld in the last decade, Tony kept the Irish formbook up to date in the pre computer days and was one of the pre eminent Irish Racing historians.
I believe he also studied veterinary medicine in the 1940s; at least I recall my late father telling me so.
I last saw him racing in September at The Curragh.
May he rest in peace.

 

[Sheikh]

Sorry to hear that, what age was he ?

 

[qzy]

Ah Jazus. Enjoyed his write ups in the Irish Times

 

[On The Bridle]

Had a very engaging and unique style of writing his Naps piece. A true gent RIP.

 

[Grey]

Sad news. He got an honorary doctorate for his work on the history of the Irish Turf and was elected to Irish racing's hall of fame. He communicated well, whether in print or on air, his quiet enthusiasm for all aspects of racing, from the breeding shed to the betting ring, from the great champions of the past to the budding prospects of today. RIP

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1205/1224327507881.html

 

[baldeagle]

I recall many a Saturday afternoon in the 70s and 80s listening to him on the radio and awaiting some much needed inspiration just before the off. RIP

 

[chroniclandlord]

He was a very interesting columnist and author. I have a number of books from the late 70s, early 80s to which he contributed.

RIP

 

[Bar the Bull]

I liked him, too.

Reading Tony's Two from the Irish Times was an integral part of my racing adolescence. I loved him bumper picks in particular. Two from Mullins, Meade and Kiely. Always.