MANY tributes have been paid to Dawn Ward (née Keane) who sadly died at her Killinick home last Saturday, surrounded by her family.

The Sligo-born mother of four will be remembered by readers as a dressage coach, being particularly successful with the Killinick Pony Club who formed a guard of honour for her funeral on Tuesday. Under Dawn’s tutelage and guidance, the Branch won the musical ride at the Irish Pony Club Festival three years in a row going on to showcase their talents at the Dublin Horse Show and at The Curragh racecourse.

She also worked as a receptionist at Wexford Equestrian where, in January this year, a jumping show was staged to raise funds to provide Dawn with Dendritic Cell Therapy. She had been diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 and, while she had initially responded well to treatment, the cancer returned in 2021.

A full tribute to Dawn will be published shortly but this, provided by her family for her death notice, encompasses her in full: “Dawn left an indelible memory on the lives of so many that were fortunate enough to know or meet her. Her indomitable spirit, passion for life and kindness touched the hearts of so many more than she could ever have imagined. Her gentle nature, humility and selflessness epitomised all that is good in people. Her passing will leave a huge void in all our lives that can never be replaced but her cherished memory will live forever in our hearts.”

Dawn is survived by her husband Dara, children Naoise, Cealan, Seren and Eja, her parents Conor and Mary Keane and her siblings Tonya, Ken and Rachel. The Irish Field extends its sympathies to all.