SHOCK rippled through the industry this week following the tragic passing of Eamonn Egan in a farm accident at his home in Maynooth, Co Kildare on June 2nd.

Eamonn, chief executive of Lloyd’s Ireland and President of the South Dublin Chamber, was widely recognised in the equestrian sector as a former jockey and long standing contributor to the sport horse industry through many roles.

He was a member, and former chair, of the Horse Sport Ireland Audit and Risk Committee and former board member of the Irish Pony Club.

Horse Sport Ireland paid him a lengthy tribute, which read: “Eamonn was a long-standing and much-valued contributor to the Irish equestrian community, and in particular to Horse Sport Ireland, where he served with distinction in a number of governance roles.

“Following the publication of the Indecon Review, Eamonn was appointed Chair of the HSI Audit and Risk Committee, guiding the organisation through a period of critical transition. Most recently, he remained an active member of the committee, providing ongoing oversight and advice with characteristic diligence and generosity of spirit.

“Eamonn gave his time and expertise voluntarily, and always with a clear focus on doing what was right for the sector. He was a true champion of good governance, insisting on high standards, clear accountability, and ethical leadership in all matters. His presence and advice to the HSI executive team was instrumental in strengthening the foundations of Horse Sport Ireland, and his legacy in this regard will endure. His contribution went beyond governance. Eamonn played a leading role on the HSI Insurance Working Group, helping shape a strategic solution to one of the most significant challenges facing equestrian activity in Ireland.

“Thanks to his insight, persistence, and leadership, the organisation successfully launched HSI Club, which provides part of the membership insurance protection for thousands of leisure and recreational riders across the country. It stands as one of the most tangible and lasting legacies of his time with Horse Sport Ireland.

“More than anything, Eamonn will be remembered within HSI for his kindness, his humour, and his humanity. His visits to the Naas office were always greeted with warmth, and his support for staff and management was always at hand. He was generous with his time, good fun, and always ready to lift spirits when challenges arose.”

The Irish Pony Club paid tribute to Eamonn saying he was “a long-standing contributor and former board member. Eamonn gave his expertise and time willingly and voluntarily both as a father in the Kildare Branch and as a director.”

Eamonn is deeply missed by his loving children Eddie, Emma and Ashlie, wife Sarah, brothers Alan, Declan and Fergal, sister Lorraine, partner Katherine, grandson Ethan, extended family, colleagues and friends. He is reposing at his residence tomorrow, Sunday, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass at 11.30am at the Church of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, Clane on Monday.