Colm Byrne

Dublin, Ireland

Head of International Department at the Irish Red Cross.

I am a Dublin native and initially began my career in Accountancy before seeking an alternative career path in the Civil Society Sector in Ireland with the Simon Community where I developed an interest in Horticultural Therapy. Such interest subsequently led to a degree in Horticultural Science and a Masters in Humanitarian Assistance including research on food security in Southern Sudan where I worked for Concern in 2000-2001.

I returned to the horticultural sector thereafter but was forever drawn back to the humanitarian sector and joined Irish Red Cross in 2005 where I have worked as Asia and Middle East Desk Officer (2005-2009) as well as Policy and Donor Liaison Officer (since 2009) before moving into my current position - Head of International Department.