The death has occurred of Ray Treacy at the age of 68 following a short illness. As a former Irish International footballer he had 42 caps,between 1966 and 1980.
His travel company was the official agency for the Irish team and supporters for many years. Ray had retired from the travel business in 2009.
In a tribute to him, Martin Skelly, President of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said: “Ray Treacy has been part of the Irish travel trade for more than 30 years. I first met Ray on a trip to Dubai, before anyone really went to Dubai. We were almost the Irish Pioneers (nothing to do with alcohol!) on one of the very first fam trips. His easy company and quick wit made the trip the success it was for all of us.
“I recall one evening just before dark, it was during Ramadan, and we had left the group to spend some time on a golf course. Taxis were scarce because they were all rushing home to eat after a day’s fasting. We needed to get back to the Hilton Hotel for a formal dinner. Ray somehow managed to convince a driver that if he drove very fast that we could all meet our deadlines and eat plenty and he, the driver, would be richly rewarded. We had the drive of our life and we arrived at the hotel shaking and on time.
“Ray was an ambassador not only for the sport he loved but for the Irish travel industry as well. He will be missed by all of us who had the good fortune to do business with him and to enjoy his company.”
May he rest in peace.
