Siobhan Sheridan takes top accolade at Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards supported by Godolphin
Eight additional award winners from Kildare, Limerick, Meath, Roscommon
Siobhan Sheridan, Yard and Foaling Unit Manager for Olive O’Connor Bloodstock in Redcross, County Wicklow was announced as the Irish Racing Excellence Award winner at the 2025 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, supported by Godolphin in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge on Tuesday evening.
Along with a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau, as Irish Racing Excellence Award winner, Siobhan received €5,000 and €2,500 for her employer to be used for the benefit of her work colleagues.
The awards are run in conjunction with the Irish Stable Staff Association, The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the Racing Post and equuip - Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training department.
Siobhan has worked on stud farms for almost 30 years, 10 of which with Olive O’Connor Bloodstock. She is a hardworking, dedicated and an invaluable member of the team. She is passionate about the breeding industry and has extensive experience and unwavering commitment to horse welfare. Siobhan is considered the heart of the yard, creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere for everyone she works with.
The individual Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners, supported by Godolphin, were:
Katie Peate, Assistant Farm Manager, Bert House Stud, Athy, Co Kildare (Newcomer Award)
Paul Croke, Farm Manager, Bert House Stud, Athy, Co Kildare
Philippa Proctor-Quinn, Racing Secretary, Gordon Elliott, Longwood, Co Meath
Andrew Duff, Assistant Trainer, Ger Lyons Racing, Dunsany, Co Meath
Oliver Geraghty, Stud Manager/Groom, Castlefarm Stud, Narraghmore, Co Kildare
David Nolan, Travelling Head Man, Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, Co Wicklow
Peter O’Riordan, Yearling Manager, Croom House Stud, Croom, Co Limerick
Each Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winner received a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau and €4,000. An additional €2,500 was awarded to their employers to be used for the benefit of each winner’s colleagues.
Chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, and based on a quality programme evaluation, Roscommon Racecourse, won the Racecourse Award for the facilities they offer stable staff.
Roscommon Racecourse won €2,500 to be spent on upgrading facilities that will benefit stable employees along with an Ani Mollereau trophy.
Siobhan Sheridan, Yard and Foaling Unit Manager for Olive O’Connor Bloodstock in Redcross, County Wicklow, said: “I am completely stunned to have won the Irish Racing Excellence Award. It’s hard for me to put into words how much it means and it will take a while to sink in. I am so blessed to work with Olive and work with such good people around me – that means the world to me.
“For those of us working in yards to be seen and recognised like this is so special and it really highlights all the aspects of the work we do, all for the love of the horse. I’m very grateful to Godolphin and all the sponsors to demonstrate through the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, how amazing our industry is.”
Joe Osborne, Managing Director, Godolphin Ireland, said: “The 2025 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony was yet again a wonderful celebration of the great people within our industry. All of us at Godolphin extend our congratulations to the recipients and our gratitude to their colleagues who nominated them.”
Suzanne Eade, CEO at Horse Racing Ireland, commented: “It was such an honour to be at the Keadeen on Tuesday night to celebrate all the fantastic award winners. Their work ethic, expertise, dedication and devotion they all give to the horses in their care is why Ireland has such an enviable status around the world. They should all be really proud of the important role they play in the reputation and success of Irish racing and breeding.”
Bernard Caldwell, CEO of the Irish Stable Staff Association, said: “Once again, the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Awards, supported by Godolphin, at the Keadeen on Tuesday evening shone a light on the brilliant people we have working in racing and breeding and the contribution they make to the overall success of the industry at home and abroad. Congratulations also go to Roscommon Racecourse, very worthy winners of the Racecourse Award.”
