Point-to-Point racing lost a life-long supporter on Sunday morning with the passing of Dick Doocey, President of the Killeagh point-to-point race committee.
In announcing the death, the Killeagh committee wrote:
“Today we say a fond farewell to our President Dick Doocey who sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.
“Dick, a true racing man, has dedicated over 50 years of his life to the Killeagh race committee and we will miss him dearly.
“We send our condolences to his wife Carmel, his children Ann, Kevin, Ray, Tony and the late Pat.
“May Dick rest in peace.”
It was the local Killeagh point-to-point that those in racing will fondly associate him, and in 2007 he had the honour of seeing his colours carried to success in the local confined race when Doc O’Donnell and Timmy O’Callaghan ran out comfortable winners.
The Mohaajir gelding would go on to win on three further occasions for Doocey and handler O’Callaghan, including the Gowran Park point-to-point bumper in 2009.
In 1999 Doocey had his life-long support of the sport recognised when he was awarded the Ardmore Hall of Fame award for his service to point-to-point racing in the Cork and Waterford region.
Following the sad news of his passing, many well-known faces from the Cork-Waterford circuit took to social media to pass on their condolences.
Davy Russell wrote: “A mighty man, used to pick me up and bring me to the p2ps as a kid, may he rest in peace.”
Handler Colin Motherway added: “Condolences to his family. Great man. Led us out many a day to the hunt chase fields”, whilst IHRB Stewards Secretary Christine Kelly wrote: “God Rest you Dick, a true racing man and gentleman, RIP.”
Doocey was a very active member of the wider sporting community, as alongside his work with the Killeagh point-to-point, he was also passionate about the GAA, having been a member of the Waterford County Senior Hurling Champions in 1950 with Tourin GAA.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dick Doocey. Dick was a member of the victorious 1950 County Senior Hurling champions that brought the title back to Tourin after a famous victory against Mount Sion. RIP Dick pic.twitter.com/Q4ke2yXovX
— TourinGAA (@TourinGAA) May 31, 2020
He would later hold a variety of roles with Killeagh GAA club, including coaching the side to three East Cork titles in the late 60’s and early 70’s, before becoming Killeagh GAA club chairman, as well as vice chairman of the East Cork board.
Dick will be laid to rest on Tuesday morning, but due to the government and HSE Covid-19 guidelines, Dick’s funeral will be private to family only, however it will be broadcast on parish radio in the locality.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé
