THE many friends of Lily Slattery formed a guard of honour after her funeral mass on Friday in Knock, Co Mayo. The 16-year-old, who died on Monday, October 5th, was described as a beautiful, talented girl with an “infectious smile, one that would light up her room”.

A great talent in the show jumping arena, Lily rode many horses for her grandfather and uncle, Gabriel Slattery Snr and Jnr. Among her accolades include a 2025 Young Mayo Sports Star of the Year Award for her achievements. She was the Young Rider of the Year at the 2025 Mullingar International Horse Show and on the winning RDS children on horses team in 2024.

Lily’s sister Morgan-Mai delivered a touching eulogy at her funeral mass. She said: “A special mention to Lily’s horsey friends and community. Your love, shared stories, and support will never be forgotten. Lily loved each and every one of you.

“Lily was her happiest in Irishtown with her dad, her granddad, and Uncle Gabe, who she nicknamed the ‘long fellow’. If Lily had to pick between a day out shopping with me and Ruth-Elle or mucking out dirty horse stables, she would always pick option B.

“Lily’s love for horses was such a huge part of her and who she was. Her horses Candy and Bob meant so much to her. She was an exceptional competitor, whose determination and will to win defied her tender years.

“She achieved so many things in her life. Some of her proudest achievements were being on the RDS winning team in 2024, Young Rider of the Year 2025 at the Mullingar International Show, Connaught Telegraph Sports Star of the Year 2025, and one of her outstanding achievements in 2026 was the Millstreet International Show, where she was highly placed every day with both her horses.

“Over the last few days, one of the most talked-about things that we have heard from her friends and family about Lily was her infectious smile, one that would light up her room and the laugh that came with it.”

Lily will be lovingly missed by her heartbroken parents Gillian and Christy, sisters Morgan-Mai and Ruth-Elle, grandparents Gabriel (Slattery), John and Mary (Byrne), aunts, uncles and all her much-loved cousins, extended family and her many friends. She is predeceased by her grandmother Phil Slattery and uncle Barry Byrne.

Tributes

Among the hundreds of tributes paid to Lily this week was this from the Connaught Region of Showjumping Ireland, of which she was a keen member: “Lily was an exceptional competitor. Every time she entered the arena, she gave it her absolute all and competed with such courage and passion.

“We will all miss her infectious smile and the joy she brought to those around her, but we will cherish the memories of Lily and hold her close in our hearts always. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Lily’s family and all those who loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”

Showjumping Ireland also paid tribute to Lily, as did Horse Sport Ireland who added: “Horse Sport Ireland extends its deepest condolences to the Slattery family after the untimely passing of their beloved Lily. Lily was a talented competitor, who loved horses and was much loved herself by family and friends. We hope they can take comfort and solace in the outpouring of affection from the Irish equestrian community for Lily at this heartbreaking time.”