A Co Armagh man who became one of the world's most celebrated rose growers has passed away in New Zealand.
Sam McGredy ran a famous and highly-successful business in his native Portadown, with the Queen Mother among his customers.
He left his hometown to live in New Zealand in 1972. His death was announced in a local newspaper which said "internationally renowned rose hybridiser Sam McGredy passed away peacefully on 25 August 2019 surrounded by family and love".
It adds: "Sam is survived by his wife Jillian McGredy (nee Walker), his children and grandchildren. Father of Kathryn, Maria and Peter, and Clodagh and Alan. Grandfather of Oliver and Sophia, Jo, Chris, and Henry, and Casey and Cameron. Step- father to Andrea and Roman, John and Carol, and grandfather to Taylor and Thor."
A rugby fan, 87-year-old Mr McGredy's funeral will be held at Eden Park – the country's biggest sports ground – on Monday.
The New Zealand Rose Society paid tribute to McGredy, calling him an icon of roses around the world.
They added: "May Sam rest in peace and let us treasure all those beautiful roses he created."
In this footage from 2009, Mr McGredy told the Auckland War Memorial Museum of his great passion, including how his famous "Dublin Bay" is "probably my best rose and will be going long after I'm gone".
Before departing for the southern hemisphere, Mr McGredy, who took over the family horticulture business as a 20-year-old, also owned a bar on the Garvaghy Road.
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