Tom MacGinty, who died early on Saturday morning following a long manfully borne battle against cancer, was racing correspondent for the Irish Independent from the early 1960s until his retirement.

I first knew Tom shortly after he had joined the Independent following some formative years on the racing desk of The Irish Times.

We became good colleagues from the mid-60s, but above all, good pals and Tom, who had not an enemy in the world, enjoyed a wide circle of friends.

A top-class racing journalist of high integrity, Tom MacGinty was racing editor of the Irish Racing Annual for the past 25 years, a widely acclaimed publication which he and his co-editor, the late Raymond Smith, founded and contributed to liberally. He also wrote for the Irish Field.

Tom had a passionate interest in rugby and each season followed the Junior Cup and Senior Cup fortunes of his Alma Mater, Belvedere College, for which he one-time played with distinction. He had many other interests, including music, reading, the theatre and perhaps, above all, his great love for the sea.

A great Christian gentleman, Tom MacGinty will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Blathnaid, his sons, Karl, Alan and Simon, his extended family, his former colleagues and friends. May he rest in peace.

MOF.