The RDS yesterday conferred honorary life membership on four people, including businessman Dermot Desmond, for what the society described as their "significant contribution to Ireland and Irish life throughout their lives and careers".
Mr Desmond, Dermott Lennon, Sir Dennis Mahon and Dr Don Thornhill received their awards at a ceremony in the RDS Council Room attended by the society's president, Dr Austin Mescal, and chief executive Michael Duffy.
According to a spokeswoman, Mr Desmond received his honorary life membership for his "exceptional entrepreneurial skills, flair and commercial foresight", as well as his contribution to several charities over many years.
Mr Lennon earned his award for his contributions to equestrianism, a sport with which the RDS has had a long association.
In 2002 he became the first Irish World Show Jumping Champion and has continued to excel in his chosen sport.
"Mr Lennon always represents his country with quiet dignity and is the perfect example of the true spirit of sport, in that he wears his fame with quiet composure," said the spokeswoman.
Sir Dennis received his life membership in recognition of his research into 16th- and 17-century Italian baroque painting and for his contributions to the National Gallery of Ireland.
Dr Thornhill, former chairman of the Higher Education Authority, was honoured for his service to the development of Irish education.