Paul Hensey, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Irish Racecourses, was appointed in January 2023. No stranger to the horse-racing industry, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. He has been working abroad within the bloodstock industry for some time, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Al Shaqab Racing, a position which saw him based mainly between Doha, Qatar and France. While working at The Curragh Racecourse, he was an active member of AIR.
Meet the team
Paul Hensey
Chief Executive Officer
Association of Irish Racecourses
Conor O’Neill
Chairman
Association of Irish Racecourses
Conor O’Neill, Chairman of the Association of Irish Racecourses has been in the position since December 2018. He is also an active Racecourse Manager in his role as the Chief Executive Officer of Punchestown Racecourse. Previously, he has served as Racecourse Manager at Limerick Racecourse and he currently holds a seat on the Fixtures Committee, Programmes Committee, Media Rights Committee (Chair) and he was appointed to the Board of Horse Racing Ireland in January 2019.
Board of Directors
John Flannelly
John Flannelly, Vice Chairman of AIR since December 2018. John is the Manager at Ballinrobe Racecourse for over 20 years.
DJ Histon
DJ Histon is the Manager at Clonmel Racecourse (Powerstown Park). DJ was elected to the board in 2024, brings his experience and industry knowledge to the board.
Ursula Sinnott
Ursula Sinnott is Managing Director at Wexford Racecourse with a background in Hospitality, Leisure and Arts. Ursula was appointed to the board in 2024 and brings her experience and industry knowledge to the board.
Owen Byrne
Owen Byrne is the Manager at Tramore Racecourse since 2018. Owen was elected to the board and collaborates with key stakeholders to promote and develop racecourses.
Michael Moloney
Michael Moloney is CEO at Galway Racecourse since 2015 and was elected onto the Board of AIR in 2023. Michael brings valuable industry knowledge and experience, which is a valuable asset to AIR.
Peter Roe
Peter Roe oversee the management of Thurles Racecourse as part of his brief as Head of Racing of the four HRI Racecourses. Peter’s appointment to the current board of AIR commenced in December 2025.
Brian Kavanagh
Brian Kavanagh is CEO at the Curragh Racecourse and was elected onto the Board of AIR in 2025. Brian brings valuable industry knowledge and experience, which is a valuable asset to AIR.
Andrew Hogan
Andrew Hogan has been the Manager of Tipperary Racecourse since 2013 and has taken up a director’s role with AIR in December 2023.