About David Manley

Those who knew David Manley could not fail to be impressed by his vision, dynamism and courteousness - a man who got his priorities right and covered an astonishing range of ground in both his business and private interests. 

David passed away on August 15th 2002 aged 50. He was an accountant and business strategy consultant, with an active interest in arts and sports. 

On graduating from Trinity College in Dublin in 1974, David joined Stokes Kennedy Crowley (later KPMG).

He was truly a leader in the fast changing business world.  His business interests were centred on the establishment of Newmarket Partnership, an accounting practice in 1979. This developed into Newmarket Consulting in 1995, which provided business and marketing planning, strategies and advice to high potential, owner-managed companies. Such sectors serviced by Newmarket included arts, culture, health, tourism, sport and transport.  

David was a member of many business and professional bodies, including the Trinity Business Alumni and the TCD undergraduate association Foresight.

He was company secretary of Rehab Lotteries Ltd from its inception in 1987, playing a key role in its development both in Ireland and the UK.

David’s advisory roles stretched further with his election to the chair of the Marketing Institute in 1988 - an appointment that was a rare and honourable milestone for any accountant and recognition that he was really a marketing man in practice and at heart. As chairman, he mapped out a strategy that spearheaded the Institute into the 1990’s, which saw David elected as a fellow of the Marketing Institute in 1996.

Elected President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce in 2000 – 2001, David was particularly active in spearheading the interests of small and medium sized businesses through his role.

David’s mentoring skills stretched further through his co-development of Enterprise Ireland's Mentor Programme, through which established and highly regarded business people shared their knowledge and experience with entrants to the business world - today the foundation for the David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Award.

His energies were all encompassing as he played a leading role as CEO for the Not For Profit Business Association, which represents the business interests of its members as service providers to people with disabilities, particularly in view of the need to combine the care ethos of the past with a commercial ethos to deal with current and emerging market forces.

His dynamism stretched further to the world of arts, where David became an early member and Chairman of Business2Arts. Inspired by the creative energy of artists, David made a major contribution to the organisation. He was also active as a member of the board of St.Patrick's Festival. 

In 2001 he was appointed to the Railway Procurement Agency, where his contributions to the LUAS project were sadly short lived.

David also excelled in the sporting world, particularly in motor sport where he reached Formula 3 racing.  Mondello, the Phoenix Park and Kirkistown provided a regular outlet for David’s energy. He had four race victories in his Mallock U2 car in 1976 and became the first Irish driver of his generation to race in Europe, where his victory in Nagaro, France was his proudest moment on track.

But it was his approach and vision off track that set him apart. His Red Arrows team set new standards of professionalism and he was quick to understand sponsors and their needs. At a critical junction he convinced committees to save Mondello Park, rescue the Phoenix Park Races and he contributed greatly to rallying in Ireland when insurance problems arose.  David used his wide network of contacts in motor sport to bring world class drivers like the late Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Jackie Stewart to Ireland. The Dun Laoghaire Grand Prix in 1987 would have been impossible without him.

Whether through business, sport, social or family life it was David’s charisma which touched people most.  His eagerness to guide others who deserved a break in the cutthroat world of business was achieved without any airs and given with many graces.

His record of achievement, innovation and his ability to get things done often in the face of adversity was astonishing and yet at the time of his death many were left with the certainty that many more achievements lay ahead unfulfilled.

It is so that the legacy of David’s worth was recognised and carried forward by the Friends of David Manley committee. This group of friends and colleagues, with the help of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Business Innovation Centre, Business To Arts and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland have created a mechanism to honour David and his work and retain the admirable way in which he inspired others during his life.