John Flannelly Honoured with Contribution to the Industry Award at ITBA Western Region Awards
On the evening of Wednesday, July 31st, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) hosted its 2024 Western Region Awards, where John Flannelly was presented with the respected ‘Contribution to the Industry’ Award. The ceremony took place at the Galway Races, with nearly 300 attendees gathering at Ballybrit for a special lunch to celebrate the achievements of their friends and neighbours.
ITBA Chairperson Cathy Grassick commented on her delight at returning to Galway for the occasion. “It is great to be back at Galway this year to celebrate the success of Western breeders. The awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase our industry and today we celebrate the people in this region and the horses behind it,” she remarked.
John Flannelly, who has served as the Ballinrobe Racecourse manager since 1999, was recognized for his remarkable contributions over the past 25 years. Under his leadership, the Mayo venue has seen significant advancements, including the construction of new facilities and the extension of the racetrack. His dedication to ensuring that Ballinrobe Racecourse meets the needs of racegoers and industry professionals alike has been unwavering.
In addition to his role at Ballinrobe, John is the current vice chairman and a board member of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR), having served multiple terms with the organization. He has cultivated strong relationships with businesses and organizations in the community and throughout the west of Ireland, securing a fully sponsored race season for many years—a notable achievement in the industry.
John’s visionary leadership and proactive management style have earned him widespread admiration. One of John’s crowning achievements was winning the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racecourse of the Year Award in both 2012 and 2023.
Reflecting on his recent honor, John commented, “I am honored to receive the Contribution to the Industry Award at the ITBA Western Region Awards. I am very proud of Ballinrobe Racecourse and what we have achieved, but it is a team effort. The work is not done yet; we will continue to develop and strive for excellence at Ballinrobe for those within the industry and our racegoers.”
The ITBA Western Region Awards highlighted the vibrant and resilient spirit of the thoroughbred breeding industry in the west of Ireland.