THE FUNERAL took place yesterday of former leading showjumper Iris Kellett, who died last Friday aged 85.
One of the most influential figures in Irish equestrianism, she was a member of the first Irish civilian team to compete in a Nations Cup event and her international career ran from the 1940s until 1969 although it was interrupted for many years through injury.
Ms Kellett was also a noted breeder of horses and a trainer of many of Ireland’s top riders, including Eddie Macken and the late Paul Darragh.
Her funeral service was held at St John’s Church of Ireland in Kill, Co Kildare, where Col Billy Ringrose delivered the tribute, speaking of Ms Kellett’s long career which began at her father Harry Kellett’s riding school on Mespil Road, Dublin.
Among the mourners were Celsus Brennan and Madeleine Byrne and former rivals on the Irish showjumping circuit Joan Morrison, Tommy Brennan, Lewis Lowry and Richard Tolerton.
Una Craigie, a friend of Ms Kellett since 1943, attended the service, as did Ann Murphy, Rosalind Mullaney, Ada Matheson, Judy MacMahon and Col Ned Campion.
Veterinary surgeons Ted Collins and Jimmy Kelly were also present, as were many locals including John and Chris Lloyd-Rogers, Mary and David McCann, Claire Gilna, showjumpers Jack and Edward Doyle and their parents, Bridget and Ned. Showjumper James Kernan attended.