RÁSAÍOCHT CON ÉIREANN ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

GRI

Following a rigorous recruitment process managed by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine, the following individuals have been confirmed as appointments to the Board of Directors of Rásaíocht Con Éireann: Professor Gerry Boyle, Margaret Dineen & Martin Bourke.

Pat Flanagan, Chairman of the Board, welcomed the appointments, saying:
"We are delighted to welcome such a wealth of experience and expertise to the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Board. Their leadership, knowledge, and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen governance, enhance stakeholder confidence, and drive the future development of greyhound racing in Ireland."

Professor Gerry Boyle is an internationally recognised economist and Emeritus Professor at NUI Maynooth. He served as Director of Teagasc (2007–2021) and was an ex officio member of Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council. His earlier roles include Economic Adviser to the Taoiseach, economist with the Central Bank of Ireland, and consultancy with the World Bank and European Commission.

A Member of the Royal Irish Academy and recipient of numerous honours, he has led professional bodies including Euragri and continues to serve in governance roles across agriculture, dairy, sport, and rural development.

Margaret Dineen is a seasoned senior leader with extensive experience in the agrifood and food industry, specialising in governance, risk, and commercial operations. She has led large teams and managed multi‑million‑euro budgets in companies including Donnelly Fresh, Kerry Taste & Nutrition, and Keelings.  She currently serves as Board Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Agri‑Food Regulator, reinforcing her governance and oversight expertise.

A Chartered Management Accountant and University College Cork graduate, Margaret combines board-level governance insight with hands-on leadership in complex commercial and regulated environments.

Martin Bourke has over 40 years’ experience in the Irish public service, holding senior roles in Property Management, Public Procurement, and Corporate Affairs, including Commissioner of Public Works. He has advised Government Ministers and served on multiple Executive Management Boards.

Martin holds a Masters in Business from UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate School, with additional qualifications from Kings Inns and the Institute of Directors and is a Chartered Director and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development graduate.