Joanna Byrne
Irish politician
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Joanna Byrne is an Irish Sinn Féin politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Louth constituency since the 2024 general election.[1][2] She was previously a Louth County Councillor from 2016 to 2024.
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Joanna Byrne | |
|---|---|
Byrne in 2023 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Constituency | Louth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland |
| Party | Sinn Féin |
On 28 January 2025, Byrne was appointed Sinn Féin spokesperson on Arts, Sport, Communications, Culture and Media.[3]
Background
Born and raised in Drogheda, Byrne became the first female chairperson in the League of Ireland through her leadership role with Drogheda United F.C. She was elected to the FAI's National League Committee in 2023.[4] On 23 March 2026, Byrne was removed from the position of co-chairperson by the owners of the club, Trivela Group. The reason stated was a "breakdown in the trust and confidence".[5] following her prior public statement that Ireland should not play Israel in the UEFA Nations League while a genocide against the Palestinian people continues.[6]
Political career
Byrne became a member of Louth County Council in 2016,[7] representing the Drogheda Urban area.[8][9]
As a member of Louth County Council, Byrne chaired the special policy committee on housing and engaged with matters such as social housing, housing maintenance, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. She also focused on addressing dereliction, improving addiction services, and advocating for better childcare and community infrastructure across the county. She supported campaigns for Drogheda to achieve city status and worked on local issues such as road safety, crime, and anti-social behaviour.[10][11]
Byrne was selected as one of Sinn Féin’s candidates for the 2024 general election alongside Ruairí Ó Murchú. She ran to fill the seat vacated by Imelda Munster and campaigned on priorities including affordable housing, improved healthcare access, and investment in community facilities.[4] On election, Byrne reiterated her call for city status for Drogheda, along with addressing local housing issues and advocating for enhanced services for constituents.[12]