WITH almost half a century of my professional working career behind me, I have had the pleasure to work with many colleagues.

A large number of them have made an impression on me.

At the top of that list is someone who not only became a valued colleague, but a lifetime friend, and yesterday we said goodbye to her as she embarks on a new path. Isabel Hurley has stepped away from her role as editor of our Irish Horse World section of the paper, and heads off to begin the journey to becoming a veterinary surgeon.

For some 15 years we have worked together in The Irish Field, and it has never been anything other than a pleasure and a privilege. Isabel brought to her roles within the paper a deep passion for horses and journalism, and in the latter sphere she gained recognition and praise for her outstanding professionalism. We have been blessed to have that special quality at our disposal for so long.

I have rarely known anyone who works as hard as Isabel does, and her departure will leave a huge void in the ranks, though she has carefully nurtured another great talent, Judith Faherty, and the future coverage of all things equestrian is in safe hands. This is another measure of Isabel’s complete professionalism.

While it comes as a surprise, and a selfish disappointment, that Isabel is moving on, it is not a total shock. As long as I have known her, it was clear that she would have made a superb veterinary surgeon. As Brendan McArdle said this week, she is one in all but name, given her depth and breadth of knowledge on all matters equine.

Whatever Isabel undertakes, she gives it one hundred and ten per cent. It will be the same with her future studies, and I know she will excel. She will be missed by many, especially Judith, her legion of admiring contributors, show and event organisers, and by people involved with the myriad of bodies who operate within the greater equestrian sphere. Her unfailing courtesy, and her willingness to help, are hallmarks of a wonderful human being.

Such has been Isabel’s devotion to The Irish Field that I know she will not be a stranger to us, and it was somehow fitting that we recently presented her with a gold medal to celebrate 50 years of the Irish Horse World, along with her five predecessors. Little did we know we would be welcoming the seventh editor so soon!

Isabel, every good wish for the future. Thank you for everything, and especially your enduring friendship.