THE late Irvinestown native Barney Curley has been described as a hero to the gambler and a scourge to the bookies.

Most famous for his betting coups in 1975, 2010 and 2014, the late 81-year-old – who passed away from cancer on Sunday – was also a well-respected horse trainer and philanthropist.

Mr. Curley, who abandoned his training to become a priest, won millions of pounds through his betting coups, but he was much more than a professional gambler.

The 1975 betting coup at Bellewstown Races saw the unfancied Yellow Sam win at odds of 20-1, with Mr. Curley getting friends across Ireland to head to the bookies to lay large bets.

The coup then involved the blocking of the phoneline to the track, which meant there was no contact between the off-course and on-course bookies to let them know of the large money being put on Yellow Same.

But while gambling may be the first thing that will come to the mind of many people when they hear the name ‘Barney Curley’, he was also a hugely respected figure within the horse racing industry, as could be seen from tributes from the likes of AP McCoy and Tom Queally, and even Bellewstown Races.

AP McCoy tweeted: “Very sad to hear that Barney Curley has passed away. Feel lucky to have enjoyed his company. A man with well-founded legendary status as a trainer/gambler, but one who also raised lots for the charity, Direct Aid for Africa. RIP.”

Tom Queally, speaking to At The Races, said there were many people’s lives Mr. Curley touched throughout his own remarkable life.

Queally also spoke of Mr. Curley helping him when he was starting out as a jockey. “It’s something I am very proud of, to have ridden for the man.”

Bellewstown Races tweeted: “All of us on the hill are saddened to hear of the passing of racing legend Barney Curley. His name, along with this phone box, are an integral part of our history on the hill. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Alongside Queally, the likes of Jamie Spencer and Frankie Dettoris also learned from Curley.

As well as horseracing, Mr. Curley also set up a charity, Direct Aid for Africa, which aimed to improve health and education in Zambia.

He spent the past 25 years raising funds to try and transform the lives of Zambians, and it was work that he drew great satisfaction from.