Norman Colfer (b. 1928)

Track 1: Childhood in Wexford, graduated from Trinity College Dublin. Discussed the privileged lifestyle a gentleman enjoyed at that time. Track 2: His introduction to auctioneering, his apprenticeship with Smith Griffin in Dawson Street, Dublin, then moving to J. C. Brady cattle sales in Kells, Co. Meath. Track 3: Recalls his first wife, Vera Heywood Jones. Track 4: His enthusiasm for attending race meetings. In 1968, became manager of Fairyhouse racecourse, a post he held for twenty years; his role in this position. Track 5: The challenge of securing sponsorship for the racecourse; the Irish Grand National sponsored for the first time in 1970, becoming the Irish Distillers Grand National. Recalled the fencemen during his tenure. Track 6: The introduction of corporate sponsorship, which changed the nature of racing, and subsequently required the building of a new stand with private boxes at Fairyhouse. Track 7: The background of the Irish Racecourse Association, and becoming Secretary of this body. Track 8: The turbulent years of his auctioneering career in Goffs.