LORD Patrick Carew, writing also on behalf of his siblings Diana, Bunny and Sally, paid this tribute to Countess April Merveldt.

“In 1949, April ffrench-Mullen arrived at Castletown House, Celbridge, Co Kildare to live with the Conolly-Carew family and to be in charge of the children’s ponies as well as their equestrian activities. Additionally, she assisted our mother, Lady Sylvia Carew, in purchasing and training suitable ponies and young horses.