Former Killarney manager Finbarr Slattery dies aged 92

Finbarr Slattery, former manager of Killarney racecourse, died on Saturday at the age of 92.

Slattery, a hugely popular figure in Killarney and further afield, was manager of the racecourse from 1978 until 1991 and was instrumental in bringing Lester Piggott to ride at the track in 1991 when the legendary jockey rode three winners from five rides.

A graduate of University College Dublin where he obtained a degree in Agricultural Science, he worked in the agriculture sector for many years.

He produced two books on racing – Horse Racing and Following The Horses – and also had a keen interest in politics and current affairs, contributing a weekly column to The Kingdom newspaper for 30 years.

Slattery, who had been in failing health in recent months, died peacefully in St Columbanus Community Hospital in Killarney. He is survived by his wife, Carmel, daughters Aideen, Sinead and Niamh, his extended family and a large circle of friends.

His funeral mass takes place in St Mary's Cathedral, Killarney at 10.30 on Monday, followed by burial in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery. Donations, if desired, should be sent to the society of St Vincent De Paul.