Sam in the bag, our man Ray gets ministerial send-off

TRIBUTES flowed from all quarters at the ploughing championships for the Irish Examiner’s Agribusiness Correspondent Ray Ryan whose colourful 48-year career in journalism is drawing to a close.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith was first to congratulate Mr Ryan, presenting him with an attractive statuette of a plough and horseman. Appropriately enough, the minister recalled asking the Co Cork man a few years ago about his eventual plans to retire.

“Ray made a promise that he wouldn’t retire until the Cork footballers had brought home the Sam Maguire,” said Cavan-born Mr Smith. “In fairness, his sense of timing was always impeccable.”