The Gorey 3 Day cycle race had a special place in Irish cycling, the man who started it all sadly passed away in 2012, I got a chance to have a short interview with him at the end of the final stage in 1997.

Sam was one in a million, a larger than life character, he got things done and rarely gave up till it was done, he always catered for the lesser individuals, he helped hundreds of cyclists get involved in the sport, I've seen him many times put his own life in danger to protect cycling groups on the road, I know lots of people will have there own memories of Sam - that sums the man up.

He will be missed greatly.

He is buried with his wife Betty in Gorey.