I first knew Sam at the Middlesex hospital haematology case discussions when Prof Stewart was still working and I was a junior lab scientist. Throughout my subsequent career in London and then back in my native Ireland, he was always a leader and the head of so many organisations and committees that we all worked with. His energy and initiative was beyond the usual in the field. I am grateful for the opportunities he gave me on the ICSH group, his advice and encouragement and I will fondly remember his taking the time to meet me for a pint in London when I was visiting to meet family and to watch Arsenal, so we could discuss haematology projects!