MINISTER Martin Heydon led the tributes this week after the passing of Irish National Stud chairman Dan Flinter at the age of 75.

A native of Athy, Co Kildare, Flinter led a long and versatile professional life, formerly chief executive of Enterprise Ireland and a chairman of The Irish Times, among a host of other board positions at high-profile organisations.

In August 2023, he was appointed chairman of the Irish National Stud, who noted in a statement this week that Flinter “immediately immersed himself in the business”, adding that “he brought great enthusiasm and dynamism to this role, leading with exceptional integrity and wisdom.”

The Irish Times reported that Flinter was diagnosed with cancer last summer and died at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, surrounded by his family.

Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Dan Flinter. I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to his wife Joan and all the Flinter family on their very sad loss. Dan was a committed and effective public servant who made an immense contribution to the public service in Ireland throughout a long and distinguished career.

“I had the pleasure of working with Dan during his recent tenure as chair of the Irish National Stud. During that time, Dan skilfully steered the organisation making a very valuable contribution both to the work of the stud and the wider thoroughbred industry.”

Dairine Walsh, interim chair of the Irish National Stud, added: “While our time with Dan was all too short, he has left an enduring legacy on the Irish National Stud and the wider racing and breeding community. He will be greatly missed. We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his wife Joan, and his children Rob, Darrach, Siléan and to his wider circle of family and many friends.”