Search

06 Sept 2025

Tributes pour in for popular racecourse manager following sudden death

RIP: Paddy Dunican was a highly respected racecourse manager in Kilbeggan and did much community and charity work

President to attend next meeting at Kilbeggan Races

Paddy Dunican and President Michael D Higgins

Tributes have flowed from the racing world and beyond for highly respected Kilbeggan Racecourse manager Paddy Dunican who died suddenly at the weekend. 

The 61-year-old had been general manager at Kilbeggan since taking over from Tom McCormack in 1988.

He developed the track over those years, and it now hosts 10 race meetings per year. 

He was named National Hunt Racecourse Manager of the Year on three occasions and also won the Athlone Business Person of the Year in 2018. 

He was an auctioneer and property valuer. 

Paying tribute, Tullamore & District Rotary Club posted on social media: "It is with immense sadness we acknowledge the passing of our Club President Paddy Dunican. Paddy was a founding member of the club in 2015 and served as Vice President for a year before beginning his term as President in 2023. A tireless and dedicated volunteer, he especially made his mark with our annual road safety campaign, elevating it to national status".

The post added that above all, "Paddy was a cherished friend to all in our club, many of whom spent countless hours in deep conversation with Paddy over a cup of tea over the years, discussing and debating the workings of the world.
"Passionate, loyal and generous, his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. We wish to express our condolences and pass our deepest sympathies to Paddy’s family," the club said. 
Condolences and tributes have been paid on RIP.ie to the extremely popular Westmeath man from across the country and abroad.
Many noted his dedication to the his midlands town and referred to him as "Mr Kilbeggan". 
Kathryn Foley, Manager Sligo Races and UIR wrote: "I cannot find words to express how shocked and saddened I am by Paddy's passing. He was a great friend to me as manager of Sligo Races, always at the ready to help when needed. It is a sad day for me and for all at Sligo Races. Rest in Peace Paddy".
Lorraine Higgins wrote: "As I sit here trying to find the right words to honour Paddy’s memory, my heart is heavy with grief, yet grateful for the privilege of knowing him.

"I will always cherish the memories we shared – the laughter, the adventures, the travels, and our countless conversations.

"Paddy’s kindness, support and loyalty knew no bounds, and his compassion knew no limits. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be forever missed, but never forgotten". 

Funeral details have yet to be announced. Mr Dunican's death notice on RIP reads: "Paddy Dunican, The Square, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, suddenly, on April 6th 2024. Predeceased by his parents, Paul and Crissie. Fondly remembered by his siblings, Rosemary, Gemma, Grainne, Nicholas, Peter, Aoife, his nieces; nephews, relatives, colleagues and his many friends.

"May Paddy Rest in Peace".

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!


Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.


Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.