Punchestown legend Dick O'Sullivan steps down from position as GM after 16 fruitful years

Horse racing legend Dick O'Sullivan will be retiring from his role as Punchestown Racecourse General Manager following 16 years in the position.

O'Sullivan has helped to transform the popular Kildare track from when it was experiencing serious financial difficulties in the 00's to being the most complete National Hunt facility in Ireland, rivalling any venue for horse racing across the world.

Conor O'Neill, Punchestown Racecourse's current Commercial Manager, has been appointed to the role vacated by O'Sullivan. O'Neill has previously worked as the General Manager for Limerick Racecourse.

O'Sullivan has had a major hand in developing the facilities in recent years, which culminated in the opening of the new National Hunt Stand at this year's festival and the addition of more hospitality facilities to enhance the experience of race goers.

Having came on board in 2001 as interim manager, the first major hiccup the Tralee native faced was when the 2001 festival was cancelled due to the foot and mouth outbreak, along with drainage issues that had left the racecourse in turmoil. Supported by the Kildare Hunt Club, O'Sullivan helped to get Punchestown back on track in the coming years.

What commenced as a six month crisis management position soon evolved into a 16 year full time role in a place Dick quickly grew to love.

During his tenure, he has overseen the extension of the festival from four days to five, prize fund increases to over €3 million and attendance records broken year after year. The culmination of O’Sullivan’s leadership was the recent completion of the capital development plan and the construction of the new Hunt Stand. Renovation and building works carried out at the home of Irish national hunt racing over the last two years leaves the famous Kildare venue in a strong position for generations to come. Dick O’Sullivan has overseen the transformation of an ailing business to what Willie Mullins described as “the best racecourse in the world” in advance of the 2018 Festival.

In recognition of his contribution to Punchestown, Dick will remain in a newly created executive role as President of Blackhall Racing and will continue to be involved in the day to day running of the business.

Richie Galway will maintain a part time role as Racing Manager but will take on a more permanent position in Commonstown Racing to support the expansion and success achieved by Jessie, Kate and his wife Emma.

Speaking upon the announcement, Dick O’Sullivan commented; “During my 16 years at Punchestown, Richie Galway has been my right hand man. He has proven to be an outstanding asset to young vibrant team and the track is a testament to Richie’s dedication. The board agreed unanimously that he was the logical successor, however family is the strongest bond that there is and Richie has decided to join a vibrant and successful team in Commonstown. I am delighted that he will be staying in the vital role of Racing Manager to continue to support our team at Punchestown”.

“Along with Richie, I have been very lucky to work with the best team of people anyone could ever wish to have and all that’s been achieved throughout my time is really due to their ability and hard work. The board are keen that my successor should be from within to maintain the unique dynamism that exists and we are so fortunate to have Conor O’Neill who was recently elected as Chairman of AIR available to fill the position. He has a wealth of experience in the industry and is also a former manager of Limerick Racecourse."

Richie Galway commented “I am excited to be joining and supporting a hugely exciting business in Commonstown but it’s been a difficult decision to take a step back from Punchestown which I have enjoyed so much for the past 20 years. I have been privileged to work with the team here and will continue to support in any way I can. On a personal level, Dick has been a phenomenal leader, mentor and friend throughout his time and I wish him well in his retirement although I think that will mean he plans to be in Punchestown 3 days a week instead of 5!”