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Condolence Message from Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD on the death of Iris Kellett, Irish equestrian legend

The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD today extended his condolences to the family and friends of the late Irish equestrian legend, Iris Kellett.

Minister Ring said: "Iris was an inspiration to generations of Irish riders some of whom, under her guidance went on to great international success. As a 22 year-old international show jumping rider, Iris won the Princess Elizabeth Cup at White City, London, in 1949. Twenty years later, in Dublin, she won the 1969 Championship of Europe.”

“A woman competing in what had been up to then, an almost exclusively male sport, she became one of the world's top professional riders. She will be remembered not only as one of Ireland's most successful sportswomen but also for her dedication to the teaching side of equestrianism; in show jumping, in dressage and in eventing."

The Minister concluded: "Her legacy will live on through the many equestrian sportsmen and sportswomen whose lives she has greatly influenced throughout her lifetime. Our sympathies are with her family and friends."