I was recently talking to a colleague of mine and, in the course of our conversation, he told me that he will be soon retiring.

That person was Richard Harris, managing director of Reesink Turfcare Ireland. I would like to pay my own special tribute to Richard, as I have known him since my Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland (GCSAI) days, which is well over twenty years ago. I found him a true gentleman and a very approachable person.

One thing that is not mentioned in the press releases about his retirement is his support of education in the turfcare industry. He was instrumental in the development of the GCSAI, when it changed its name from the Irish Greenkeepers Association in 1996. Then, as managing director of Lely Ireland, Richard financialy supported the GCSAI, both regionally and nationally. In particular, he approved the financial support of the association’s annual conference, which has become one of the most important dates of the its calender year. He never made any fuss or gave unrealistic conditions for the sponsorship.

I remember during the financial crisis of 2008, when I was editor of the GCSAI’s trade publication, Greenside, many companies withdrew their advertising in the magazine but Richard was one of the few who continued on with the advertising. It was a tough time for machinery companies back then (as it is now, with Covod-19) and the easy thing to do would have been to stop supporting voluntary organisations, such as the GCSAI.

Another organisation that Richard supported was the Irish Links Initiative (ILI). Founded by the late Brian Coburn of Royal County Down Golf Links fame, the ILI addresses issues concerning links courses around Ireland, such as coastal erosion, rough management and the invasion of non native species. Again, Richard was there to financialy support this worthwhile organisation.

I often remember sitting beside him at events and having ‘normal’ conversations with him. There were no airs and graces about Richard. If you arrived to meet him on a bicycle or in a Mercedes, he treated you with the same respect.

I was surprised to hear though that, despite all of the years he supported the golf and sportsurf sector, he never played a round of golf. How did he get away with that? I think it might be on his list of activities to do in his new found spare time. So, cheers Richard, here’s to a long, happy and enjoyable retirement. You will be missed a lot.

You can read more about Richard’s career in the article below in this edition of Service Dealer Ireland.

Before I finish up, I have to say that I am very concerned about the increase in numbers of Covid-19 cases being recorded, particularly in Dublin. We all have a responsibility to adhere to the government guidelines to protect ourselves and others. Remember to wear your mask and sanitise your hands when necessary.

Do ensure that your place of work is compliant and that you, your work colleagues and your customers keep safe. I hope that, by the next time Service Dealer Ireland is published, we will be looking at reduced numbers of positive cases.

In the meantime keep safe and well.