Moloney link with Ballybrit to be continued after long-time manager steps down
JOHN Moloney, who has successfully steered Galway Racecourse through its most progressive era, is to step down as manager of the track after next year’s Summer Festival.
But the long-time Moloney connection with the course at Ballybrit is set to be continued as John’s son Michael, currently Chief Executive of Plumpton Racecourse in the UK, is to take over the manager’s role in Galway.
Originally from Knocklong, Co. Limerick and Assistant Manager at Tipperary Racecourse from 1986 to1988, John Moloney succeeded Captain Luke Mullins as General Manager of Galway Racecourse in January of 1989.
Under his 26-year stewardship, John oversaw capital development projects at the racecourse, totalling over €40million, including the construction of the new Millennium and Killanin Stands, improved access to the racecourse with new traffic and pedestrian tunnels and the extensive redevelopment of the enclosures, including a new office building and media centre.
In 1989, Galway was a six-day festival that attracted 100,000 racegoers with Digital Galway Plate Day, the festival highlight with an attendance of 20,000. At the height of the boom in 2006, the summer festival attracted a record 217,000 racegoers over the course of the extended seven-day festival with Guinness Galway Hurdle/Ladies Day attracting an unprecendented single day attendance of 52,000.
"I would like to thank the Galway Race Committee for the support I have always enjoyed in undertaking the role here at Galway. It has been a pleasure to work with such a great team and a huge number of supporters of the racecourse. We are currently looking forward to the build up to the 2015 festival and working with Michael next year to ensure a smooth transition, therefore it is very much business as usual for now,” said Moloney yesterday.
Terry Cunningham, Chairman of Galway Race Committee, paid tribute to Moloney for his major contribution to the running and development of Galway Racecourse in such a professional manner since 1989.
"The Race Committee are very grateful to John for everything he has accomplished at the racecourse. With over 25 years of service, John has overseen a significant period of development at the course, including the Millennium and the Killanin Stands as well as building the annual festival year on year. Under John, the Galway Festival has become a focal point in the Irish Racing Calendar for both racegoer and horsemen alike.”
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.