MY career, thus far, has been both engaging and challenging.

I have worked in the aviation industry as well the bloodstock industry, both of which bring with them their own unique and demanding requirements.

I have worked on small and simple events with budgetary constraints, right up to large scale events with very generous budgets, to private, high-end affairs.

I have managed many kinds of events including educational programmes, fundraisers, private themed parties, exhibitions, industry awards evenings, international symposiums and conferences.

In a personal capacity, I am a director on the board of Tipperary Excel Arts Centre, located in Tipperary town.

From 2014 to 2018, I executed the role of chairman. I continue to serve on the board of the arts centre, overseeing many of the arts and cultural programme of events.

My career began with Ryanair in Dublin and then moved to London. My time with Ryanair was challenging, exciting, fast-paced and great craic. Looking back, it was like working for Google. We were all very young and full of fun.

Whilst working with Ryanair in the UK, fate intervened when my late cousin Cathal Ryan asked me to assist him in restabilising Swordlestown Stud, just outside Naas in the early 2000s.

It was a complete career change as well a change of horse power, if you pardon the pun.

We had ponies at home and my late father Simon Ryan had a great interest in racing and breeding. He always had a share in a racehorse or a broodmare.

So, when opportunity presented itself, I packed my bags and headed home.

During my time at Swordlestown Stud I carried out the duties of an executive assistant to Cathal Ryan, working with the team at the farm led at the time by Ger Morrin, now of Pier House Stud.

This was a very challenging and diverse roll, which included event management and hosting many parties and business events, all of which were conducted in a private capacity in Ireland and overseas.

Working at Swordlestown Stud copper-fastened my grá and enthusiasm for Ireland’s breeding and racing industry, so when the opportunity arose to take up the role of office manager with the ITBA in 2006, I took it.

In this role I oversaw all aspects of a very busy and productive office, which represents Irish breeders.

Part of this role was event managing and executing activities and events for both Irish and European breeders.

During my time at the ITBA, and working alongside CEO Shane O’Dwyer, Regina Byrne and in more recent times Una Tormey, I was afforded the opportunity to meet the most wonderful breeders and the privilege to engage with many of industry’s dedicated stakeholders.

Like so many, I returned to education in recent times. I studied and qualified in Event Management/PR/social media with the Fitzwilliam Institute.

Our industry has a great story to tell and one we should all be immensely proud of it. Despite leaving the ITBA, I shall continue to discharge the duties of the EFTBA (European Breeders) secretariat.

I am now embarking on the next step, (giant leap could be more fitting!) in my career. I am excited to announce my plans to go into event management full-time.

Kerry Ryan Event Management aims to provide a considered offering to the Irish breeding and racing industry, and beyond.

With over 20 years of experience and expertise, I will be in a position to provide and deliver a bespoke and tailored service to potential clients.

I will relish the opportunity to work with clients to ensure their event will be a success.

To find out more about how Kerry Ryan Event Management services can benefit your business interests, email kerryryanevents@gmail.com or call me on 087 1335319.