Lily Slattery: Showjumping Community Pays Tribute to Young Mayo Rider
Equitas extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of Lily Slattery, the 15-year-old showjumper from Drum, Knock, Co. Mayo, who died on Monday 5 October. The showjumping community in the west of Ireland is mourning one of its brightest young riders.
Lily and her family are well known in showjumping circles across the western region. In March she received the Equestrian Award at the 2025 Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sportstars Awards, recognition Equitas reported on at the time. The Mayo News reports that she was also crowned overall champion at the Irish National Showjumping awards weekend in Mullingar earlier this year.
Her 2025 season included qualifying for the Dublin Horse Show in August, where she was the youngest competitor in her young rider category. She rode Captain Candyman, a horse owned and bred by her grandfather, Gabriel Slattery of Irishtown, who also trained her.
Tributes from her sport and her schools
The Connaught Region of Showjumping Ireland said everyone at Connaught Showjumping was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her passing. "Lily was an exceptional competitor, whose determination and will to win defied her tender years," the tribute read. "Every time she entered the arena, she gave it her absolute all and competed with such courage and passion."
Knock National School remembered her as "a much-loved past pupil and a wonderful girl". St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh described her as "a much loved, valued and cherished member of our school", adding that her "warmth, kindness and presence enriched the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her."
North Galway Hunt Supporters Club has cancelled the Crossboyne Hack, which was due to take place on Sunday 11 October, "as a mark of respect to Lily and her family".
Lily is survived by her parents, Gillian and Christy, her sisters, Morgan-Mai and Ruth-Elle, her grandparents, Gabriel Slattery and John and Mary Byrne, and her aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Phil Slattery, and her uncle, Barry Byrne.
Funeral arrangements
Lily will repose at Marian Funeral Home, Knock (F12 A726), on Thursday 8 October from 5pm to 8pm. Her funeral will arrive at St John the Baptist Church, Knock, on Friday 9 October for Mass at 10.30am, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
The funeral Mass can be watched live on the Knock Shrine website. The family has asked that the house be kept private.
Our thoughts are with Lily's family and everyone who loved her. May she rest in peace.
