Byrne was a midfielder who represented Bohemian F.C., Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Linfield F.C., Newry Town and Bray Wanderers during his career in Ireland.
He made his League of Ireland debut for Bohs on 27 September 1987 in a 4-1 hammering by Rovers.
In the summer of 1994, Byrne moved to Shelbourne and helped them to third in the league after a disappointing start to the season and to the FAI Cup Final.
While playing for Wayside Celtic in the FAI Cup in January 2001 he got sent off for pushing the referee.
[3] His tough tackling style and disciplinary record earned him the nickname "Psycho".