Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Debbie Byrne as High Performance Youth Eventing Manager ahead of the Youth European Championships this summer, strengthening the organisation’s commitment to excellence, athlete development and the long-term progression of Irish eventing.
Byrne brings extensive experience across the sport of eventing, youth development and international championship competition. She returns to the role having previously served as High Performance Youth Eventing Manager from 2011 to 2018, where she oversaw the planning, strategy and delivery of Ireland’s Junior and Young Rider eventing programmes.
With a long-term view towards to Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032, Byrne will develop and prepare Ireland’s youth eventing athletes in a championship model, helping to provide the experience of top-level international competition.
She will also work closely with HSI’s new Senior High Performance Eventing Manager in the lead-up to the inaugural FEI Eventing Under-25 World Championships in Millstreet, Co. Cork, as Ireland hosts the first running of the new competition.
A highly respected figure within Irish eventing, Debbie has been closely involved in championship preparation and performance delivery over many years, most recently at the 2025 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, where she led Ireland’s teams at Le Lion d’Angers to multiple medal successes.
Her role at Le Lion encompassed team coordination, athlete support and performance management at one of the sport’s most demanding international fixtures.
Byrne said: “I am thrilled to be back in the role of HSI High Performance Youth Eventing Manager as we build towards the European Championships and beyond.
“We have a rich history of success at these levels, and I wish to continue this pattern, with the depth of youth talent we have coming through the ranks at Pony, Junior and Young Rider level. It is crucially important to develop and prepare our athletes in a professional and constructive manner to become senior international athletes.”
As a former international eventer, Byrne represented Ireland on Junior and Young Rider teams and competed in eventing up to 4* level. She is a Horse Sport Ireland Level Three Coach, as well as a Coach Tutor, and her background as an Associate Lecturer in Sport Studies, further underpins her understanding of high-performance sport.
She has worked extensively in athlete development, performance planning and high performance programme administration. Her experience as an athlete, coach, educator and performance manager makes her a valued contributor to Irish eventing.
In her role as High Performance Youth Eventing Manager, Byrne will oversee the strategic development of HSI’s youth eventing programmes, working closely with athletes, coaches, parents, owners and support teams to ensure a consistent, welfare-led and performance-focused environment that supports progression to the senior ranks.
She added: “Communication is vital with parents, riders, owners and stakeholders to ensure a transparent programme from start to finish to achieve medal success.
“As has been the case in the past, from when I was previously in this role and in my current role as team manager for the teams in Le Lion, professional standards are set for all involved which allows equine and human athletes to achieve their full potential.
“I’m looking forward to working with our athletes in the lead up to Le Mans and Segersjö in July and August, and I’m very hopeful for the future of Irish eventing.”
Welcoming the appointment, Horse Sport Ireland Chief Executive, Denis Duggan, said: “Debbie brings a wealth of exceptional experience, leadership and continuity to this role. Her understanding of the youth pathway, high performance environments and experience in championship preparation will be a major asset to our athletes and horses as we continue to strengthen Ireland’s eventing programme.”
“She has a proven track record of delivering results, as is evidenced by the spectacular Irish success in Le Lion d’Angers last year, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, welfare and athlete support. We are delighted to welcome Debbie back into the fold and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the next generation of Irish eventing athletes.”
“I would also like to thank previous managers of the Pony, Junior and Young Rider teams, Sue Shortt and Dag Albert, for the work they put into the programme and the success they achieved. We wish Sue and Dag the very best in the future.”