Dr. Pamela Byrne, a Rathangan-based breeder of Irish draught horses at Coolestown Stud, has been appointed as the permanent chair of the board of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI). With a strong academic background including a BSc in Zoology, MSc in Aquatic Resource Management, and a PhD in Estuarine Toxicology, Dr. Byrne has demonstrated significant expertise and commitment to the sport horse industry since joining the HSI board in October 2024 and serving as interim chair. Her appointment was confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, following her succession of Michael Dowling.

Dr. Byrne brings extensive leadership and governance experience, having served as CEO of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland for a decade and held prominent roles such as vice-chair of the European Food Safety Authority management board and vice-president of the Global Food Regulatory Science Society. She has also chaired the Irish Management Institute and contributed to various academic and governance boards. Alongside her professional achievements, Dr. Byrne has a lifelong passion for horses, actively competing in eventing, dressage, and showing competitions.