Paul Hensey, Incoming 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 is the Vice Chairman of the Association of Irish Racecourses since December 2018. John is the Manager at Ballinrobe Racecourse for over 20 years.
Owen Byrne
Owen Byrne is the Manager at Tramore Racecourse since 2018. Owen was elected to the board in 2020 and brings with his marketing experience and industry knowledge.
Emma Meehan
Emma Meehan is an independent director of AIR. Emma took over the reins at Down Royal racecourse in 2019 and has recently taken up a director’s role with AIR.
Eamonn McEvoy
Eamonn McEvoy is General Manager at Naas Racecourse since 2019. Previous to his appointment at Naas, he served as Racing and Breeding Manager for Rick Barnes at Grangecon Stud for over 8 years, having worked abroad for the previous 15 years. Eamonn’s appointment to the current board of AIR commenced in January 2023.
Philip O’Brien
Philip O’Brien has been working in the racing industry for the majority of his working life. Philip joined Killarney Race Company in 2018 as Racing Manager and was elected onto the Board of AIR in 2022. Philip brings valuable industry knowledge and experience, which is a valuable asset to AIR.
Eddie Scally
Eddie Scally worked in the hospitality industry in Ireland, Germany & Carlton Hotels before moving to Gowran Park in June 2012 to take up the role of GM. Eddie is a keen racing fan and has a strong background in sports with affiliations to both GAA & FAI. Eddie is currently a board member of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.
Tim Husbands
Tim Husbands is the Chief Executive Officer of Leopardstown Racecourse, having joined in 2020. Tim has a strong track record of working in the leisure and tourism industry over the past 25 years, and previously served as Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast. Tim also sits on the board of Fáilte Ireland.
Peter Roe
Peter Roe is General Manager at Fairyhouse Racecourse for over 10 years and previously he managed Tipperary Racecourse for over 20 years. Peter’s appointment to the current board of AIR commenced in December 2020.