Killarney native Con Cronin has been appointed new chairman of the world-renowned Curragh Racecourse.

Mr Cronin succeeds Padraig McManus who stepped down as Chairman of Curragh Racecourse Limited having overseen the redevelopment of the racecourse and training grounds.

Cronin has a background in commercial property and is currently Executive Chairman of Avison Young in Ireland.

Con was an international rower and successful rowing coach and served as President of Rowing Ireland for the four-year period leading up to the Rio Olympics, at which Ireland won its first Olympic rowing medal.

He has also served as a Board member of Our Lady’s Childrens Hospital in Crumlin and is currently a director of Children’s Health Ireland. A native of Killarney, Con has enjoyed success as a racehorse owner, most notably with GVA Ireland and Miss Xian.

“Horse racing is a great passion of mine, and I am honored to take up the position as Chairman of the Curragh. I must pay tribute to the wonderful work done by Padraig in bringing the Curragh to where it is today. His vision and leadership have been of great benefit to Irish horse racing, and I am looking forward to working with the team at the Curragh to continue the growth and development of both the racecourse and the training grounds,” saidCronin