Lily Slattery, rising Irish showjumping star, dies at 16

The Irish equestrian community is mourning the death of Lily Slattery, a rising showjumping star from Knock, County Mayo, who passed away on October 5, shortly after her 16th birthday.

Slattery was a highly decorated young athlete, having been crowned overall champion at the Irish National Showjumping awards earlier this year and receiving the Equestrian Award at the Mayo Young Sportstars Awards. While her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, regional equestrian events were cancelled over the weekend to honor her memory.

A funeral service was held on Friday in Knock, where her sister, Morgan-Mai, delivered an emotional eulogy. Morgan-Mai described Lily as a “thoughtful and smart” individual who possessed a deep passion for horses. Attendees at the service wore navy ribbons, which was the teenager’s favorite color. Showjumping Ireland has also expressed condolences, noting Slattery’s talent and spirit within the community.