‘The iniatiator of racing photograpy’

RACING FRATERNITY MOURNS PASSING OF LISTOWEL’S LIAM HEALY

IRISH racing lost one of its greatest supporters this week with the sad passing of Listowel native, Liam Healy Snr, who died peacefully on Monday after a battle of more than four years with cancer.

Horse racing is a sport best captured at its rawest and most intimate, and this is something the Healy family have long demonstrated a keen eye for, thanks to Liam who leaves behind a legacy spanning three generations in racing photography with sons Pat, Liam Jnr and daughter Cathy carrying on the tradition.

Liam was well-known and respected throughout racing circles and many a standout occasion on the racecourse and point-to-point field was expertly captured thanks to Liam. He was described this week by Listowel Racing Committee Chairman, David Fitzmaurice, as ‘the initiator of racing photography, a great businessman, and someone who leaves behind a great contribution to racing and racing photography through his family.’

He said Liam was a great asset and a great promoter of Listowel Races and that the committee is very lucky to still have his son Pat following in his footsteps.

“On behalf of everyone involved here at Listowel races I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Healy family,” he said.

Liam Healy Snr was born in June 1945 in Convent Street, Listowel, and worked quietly and diligently from his home in Ballygologue. Horse racing was Liam’s passion and perhaps one of his best ever photos came as a smiling Liam stood at the opposite end of the camera back in November 2005 when a horse he bred called ‘Kerrys Cottages’ won at Gowran Park, giving Liam immense pleasure.

Liam was husband to the late Joan and many warm tributes were paid once news of his death reached the public on Monday afternoon.

Brenda Day, secretary of Listowel Racing Committee, described Liam as ‘part and parcel of racing in Listowel, who always had a kind word for everyone and who will be sadly missed .