EQUESTRIAN


It’s an exciting time in the history of the racecourse and I know Shane will help me and the team ensure Down Royal is the benchmark of standards into the future


“There are a couple of public roads that go through the main course so, on race days, we have to ensure staff are present to stop any traffic that comes along. It usually works well, but it’s a hard job maintaining these intersections.”


When it comes to the state of the groundcare industry, Shane is quite positive about how it is perceived by the general public.


“I think it’s on an upward curve,” he said. “Awareness has increased and the range of education and products on offer are high. I think everyone that works in this industry would say we are undervalued, but that’s the easy answer.”


“Personally, I’ve got a great employer that enables our team to work well. Obviously, there are a lot of hours and responsibility that nobody else sees.”


“I think it can be sometimes seen from the outside as a job that ‘non academics’ take up as a result of leaving school early.” “Although this may be some people’s case, the reality is that everyone in this job is probably skilled, hard-working and knowledgeable, no less than any other


profession and should be rewarded accordingly.”


“In Ireland, perhaps we could have more awards and recognition for grounds teams as they do across the pond. I think the IRGA has been good to help groundsmen in Ireland to meet, take part in demos and to share knowledge,” he said.


Shane has a Business Management Degree from Dublin City University and IT Carlow combined. He also holds several groundsmanship qualifications including Racecourse Groundsmanship Certification from Cheltenham Racecourse, Racecourse Management Skills Certification from York Racecourse, Professional Certificate and Diploma in Turf Surface Management, as well as a Botany Certification from Oregon State University.


PC October/November 2019 137


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