It’s difficult to put the last week into words, but what speaks louder than any words was the large number of people who congregated in Rathcore, Co Meath last Thursday for the thanksgiving and funeral service of Lucy Stack.

The phrase ‘beautiful inside and out’ has been used many times in the last week, but it’s so appropriate when describing Lucy.

From a young age, even back in our days in the Meath Hunt Pony Club, she was the centre of attention and stood out from the crowd.

But there was so much more to Lucy than her striking looks and gorgeous smile. She was one of the most kind, caring and loving people you could meet. Even when she thought nobody was watching, Lucy could be seen showing great kindness to someone less fortunate.

The thousand or so mourners who gathered to say farewell to her on Thursday is a testament to her and a reflection of her popularity.

She packed more than most 28-year-olds into her life and will always be remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Fozzy, her mum Sneezy, sister Jessie and brother Nick.

THIS WEEK

In this week’s paper, Marion Hughes talks about juggling her family and business life between Ireland, Dubai and Portugal, while Aoife Clark discusses her first team training session of the new year in her column.

There are also two more hunting diaries, along with a report and results from the first sport horse sale of the year at Goresbridge.