By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Races will remember town legend Donie Sheahan with “a smile, rather than sorrow,” this weekend.

Oktoberfest will be the first meeting at the local track since the passing of Mr Sheahan who was steeped in horse racing history all over Ireland and beyond.

He passed away last week in his 96th year.

“There’s no doubt that the passing of Donie Sheahan will cast a cloud over the meeting for many of us, he was a legend in racing and a regular here at Killarney Racecourse since he was a boy. Donie was a gentle man who lived life to the fullest and he loved racing, breeding and his local track here at Killarney Racecourse and nearby Listowel,” said Chairman of Killarney Racecourse, Ger Coughlan.

“He will be sadly missed there’s no doubt about it however, I believe Donie would like us to remember him during the races with a smile rather than sorrow. The committee, the staff, the racegoers club and our regular patrons have many fond memories of Donie to be grateful for that will do just that.”