Equine Law, Education, Governance & Professional Development
Supporting the equine and racing industry, on the island of Ireland, through practical, industry-aligned education, legal insight and professional development.
About Sharon
Professional Background
I bring over 22 years of legal experience, as an Irish and UK qualified solicitor, coupled with a strong academic foundation in equine science. I have worked in senior leadership roles across law, governance, compliance, charity and equine sector education. I hold an honour’s degree in law, a master’s in law, and a higher diploma in equine science from University College Dublin. I am also a qualified third-level legal studies lecturer and I am registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland since 2013.
I am deeply committed to the Irish equine industry, having spent over four decades involved in equestrian and equine life. My teaching approach is grounded in clarity, professionalism and a genuine passion for supporting learners at all levels.
Industry Contribution
I have developed and delivered educational initiatives across the equine industry, including establishing the Irish Pony Club’s (IPC) first showjumping education bursary, which is an initiative designed to support and nurture emerging talent within the sport.
I also expanded the IPC jockey skills’ development programme by opening access to a broader cohort of students interested in experiencing training and competition within the racing industry. This included opportunities for students to participate in training programmes at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) and to experience racing on The Curragh racecourse in Co Kildare. This year, in 2026 I was elected to the committee of Women in Racing Ireland (WINR) which is a wonderful organisation dedicated to empowering and to champion the role of women in Irish racing. WINR Ireland provides a space to connect, learn and lead.
Legal & Governance Expertise
My career highlights include a leading role in the Renewable Heating Incentive public inquiry in Northern Ireland. I was also responsible for landmark legislative reform to Ireland’s insolvency legislation in 2015, which continues to be current law.
In addition, I bring senior management, CEO-level leadership and governance experience, as well as extensive lecturing across third-level and professional environments.
Teaching & Professional Education
Since 2013, I have taught law and business as an adjunct lecturer at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), delivering legal and business modules to engineering, quantity surveying, hotel management and master’s level students across entrepreneurship and marketing.
I also tutor trainee solicitors and barristers at Queen’s University Belfast on their professional training programme in the areas of company law, licensing and client care modules. This combination of third-level and professional lecturing has given me a strong understanding of diverse learner needs and the ability to translate complex legal and governance concepts into clear, practical and relevant guidance.
Education & Training
Equine Law
Company & Contract Law
Health & Safety Law
Business Law & Ethics
Employment Law
Welfare Legislation
Probate & Succession Law
Insolvency Law
Charity Law, Trusteeship & Governance
Who I Work With
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)
Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) institutions
Get in Touch
Sharon Monahan
LL.B (Hons) C.P.L.S LL.M H.Dip Equine Science
Equine Education Ireland
Email: info@equineeducationireland.ie
Location: Dublin & Belfast
Equine Education Ireland 