After an extraordinary five decades at the helm, the voice of Irish racing is finished. Veteran commentator Dessie Scahill has hung up his microphone and binoculars after a phenomenal career.
Scahill's commentary was an iconic feature of Irish racing. A month before his 70th birthday Scahill's contract with the Association of Irish Racecourses is up and thus he has retired.
A career that saw him travel the length and breadth of the country comes to a close with numerous exceptional highlights. Perhaps the greatest of all was that Dawn Run commentary, which perfectly captured the excitement of the Gold Cup event.
Scahill is also a known Manchester United fanatic. Speaking after his retirement today, he revealed that former United boss Alex Ferguson took time to ring him this morning to congratulate him.
I actually had a phone call this morning and a good chat with Alex Ferguson. I think that put things in perspective. He hasn't been well. It was great to hear.
Irish racing commentator Dessie Scahill on Sir Alex Ferguson ringing to wish him well on his retirement @curraghrace today @AtTheRaces #mufc pic.twitter.com/voNYgQR9rB
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) July 22, 2018
Ferguson is currently recovering from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Recent reports have been positive and it is lovely to hear he took the time to reach out to the Irish racing legend.
