The sudden demise of Paddy Dunican, the head of Kilbeggan racecourse for more than three decades, occurred this past Saturday at the age of 61. His leadership tenure at Kilbeggan saw the transformation of the racecourse, located in Westmeath county, into one of the country’s most frequented venues, regularly hosting vast audiences for its summer gatherings, among them the esteemed Midlands Grand National held in July.
A accomplished businessman and auctioneer, Dunican received the Athlone Business Person of the Year award in 2018 and was credited as the National Hunt racecourse leader of the year thrice. He was an influential personality in the Association of Irish Racecourses, and Kilbeggan was among the five circuits that established United Irish Racecourses last year amid a conflict with Horse Racing Ireland concerning the allocation of media rights revenue within the industry.
Anticipated tough conditions for the forthcoming Aintree Grand National as incessant weather wreaks havoc on the racing schedule. Dunican’s regrettable passing occurred just prior to the commencement of Kilbeggan’s 2024 campaign, set to start later in the month.