THE Irish Horse Board (IHB) this week announced that Brian Hennessy has been appointed to the position of IHB Communications Executive.

An IHB press release stated: “With over a decade of experience in media, communications and journalism within the equestrian sector, Brian will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Irish Horse Board, who in 2022, were awarded a Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) tender for the delivery of marketing services for the Sport Horse Sector in Ireland.

“Among his previous roles, the Waterford native worked as a journalist with The Irish Field newspaper before taking up the position of press officer with the Irish National Federation, Horse Sport Ireland, from 2015 to January 2023. During his time as HSI Press Officer, he was directly responsible for bringing equestrian sport back onto national television, having successfully negotiated an agreement between the FEI, RTÉ and HSI which saw all of Ireland’s 2022 Longines FEI Nations Cup appearances broadcast live on RTÉ TV.

“Brian also delivered the HSI Masters live on RTÉ TV in December 2020. He implemented many initiatives that saw growth in media coverage of equestrian sport at local, national and international level, and for over seven years was responsible for the monitoring and reporting of the results and achievements of Irish equestrian athletes on a daily basis through HSI’s social media channels”.

Brian Hennessy said: “I am really delighted to take up this new position with the Irish Horse Board at what is a very exciting time for the organisation. The IHB have already put together a very strong team and I am really looking forward to working together for the good of all involved in the industry.

“Most of all I am looking forward to promoting the outstanding work and achievements of the Irish horse, breeders and producers, and working for the IHB’s 30,000 shareholders. I want to thank the Irish Horse Board and Alison Corbally for giving me this exciting opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.”

Irish Horse Board Director General, Alison Corbally said: “I am delighted to welcome Brian on board as we continue to strengthen our team at the Irish Horse Board. Brian is already well-known in equestrian circles and with his background and passion for the industry. I look forward to working with Brian again, whose knowledge, skills and experience will be hugely beneficial in fulfilling our role to deliver on our exciting remit for the promotion and marketing of the Irish sport horse industry.

“Brian will play a key role in bringing our ambitious plans for the sector to fruition,” added Corbally.