Sir,

On behalf of myself, Mimi, Rosie Mae, Jonathan, Amber, Lucy, Maria’s sister Katherine and our extended family, I would like to extend sincere thanks to our neighbours, friends and owners for the tremendous and extraordinary support they showed in our time of grief, on the most tragic loss of Maria.

I would also like to thank our friends in the worlds of hunting, racing, breeding, show jumping, eventing, the Pony Club, the IPS, the girls schools and members of the press. They each in their own way have been outstanding and a wonderful help to the family.

I’m sorry I can’t write to everyone as the numbers are overwhelming.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and safe new year.

Yours etc.,

EDWARD O’GRADY

Ballynonty,

Thurles,

Co Tipperary