Shock and sadness following death of Paddy Dunican

The Midlands racing community has been plunged into mourning following the death of the longstanding manager of Kilbeggan Racecourse, Paddy Dunican, today (Saturday).

Mr Dunican had been general manager at the Loughanagore track since taking over from Tom McCormack in 1988, and over the last three decades had overseen a big increase in the number of race meetings at the rural venue, which was once on the brink of closure, and boosted the standing and profile of Kilbeggan hugely over that time.

Warm tributes have been paid to Paddy since news of his sad passing emerged earlier today. He was known as 'Mr Kilbeggan Races' all over the country and was a fierce advocate for the rural venue over many years.

In a post on social media today, local GAA club Kilbeggan Shamrocks said they were “shocked and saddened” to learn of the sudden passing of Paddy Dunican, who was also a local auctioneer, this morning.

“Paddy was the face of Kilbeggan Races for many years and a great supporter of our club, having attended our dinner dance only a few weeks ago. RIP Paddy.”

Limerick Racecourse also paid a warm tribute to Paddy, who was their interim manager for their Christmas Racing Festival back in 2021, saying they were shocked and saddening to learn of his sudden passing.

“Paddy was the face of Kilbeggan Races for many years, our interim manager for our Christmas Racing Festival 2021 and regular steward at our racecourse. He'll be sadly missed,” a post on Facebook said extending condolences to Paddy's family.

Poignantly, the first racing of the season at the Westmeath track, the two-day Spring Two Day National Hunt Meeting is scheduled to commence in Kilbeggan on April 25 and 26 next.

A death notice on the rip.ie website said Mr Dunican, who was in his 60s, of The Square, Kilbeggan, died suddenly, on April 6th.

Predeceased by his parents, Paul and Crissie. Mr Dunican is fondly remembered by his siblings, Rosemary, Gemma, Grainne, Nicholas, Peter, Aoife, his nieces, nephews, relatives, colleagues and his many friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.