Kells woman's presentation to equestrian princess

A Kells woman made a presentation to British royal, Princess Anne at the UK National Riding for the Disabled Association Championships in Hartpurt College, England recently. Mary Walsh, national field officer for Riding for the Disabled Ireland, presented the princess with a commemorative badge she had commissioned to mark the occasion. The princess was also presented with a horse tug with the logos of both the North and South Riding for the Disabled Association's logos. Ms Walsh travelled to England with Julie Jordan, regional chairperson of Riding for the Disabled Northern Ireland. They were invited to England as Princess Anne had unable to make a joint conference of the Riding for the Disabled Association of Northern Ireland and the Republic earlier this year, because of the volcanic ash cloud. Former Olympian Princess Anne, mother of current rider Zara Philips, is president of RDA in England and Northern Ireland and visited an RDAI Group in Ireland two years ago, at the invitation of Ms Walsh. As a result of this co operation, a rider from Northern Ireland was invited to join the RDAI demonstration at the recent Dublin Horse Show. Every year, the RDAI have a demonstration of riders from around the country at the show, and six riders from the Republic and one from Northern Ireland take part. It was a great occasion for all the riders and their families and the volunteers. Ms Walsh is co-coordinator of the Kells RDAI Group, and is also national children's officer for Riding for the Disabled Ireland. The first ever joint North South Riding for the Disabled Conference took place in Kilashee House Hotel, Naas, earlier this year, with 300 delegates attending.