MARY’S been my close friend for the last 40 years, and it’s a huge honour for me to be asked by Mary’s family to speak about her in this assembly.

Where do I begin? It could be anywhere, on a wide range of subjects. Because Mary was that interesting.

Inevitably, it’s with horses that so many memories come to mind. Her successes began as a child with ponies and continued as she graduated through the ranks. Holidays were spent hunting and eventing. She represented Ireland and, as an individual, she rode in the Junior European 3-Day Event in Wessel riding Hillbilly. Mary was stylish and brave.

She was also hugely enthusiastic. She was the energy within the Trinity Riding Club, responsible for the Inter-University competitions in which she excelled.

Not surprisingly, the thoroughbred took over. Mary’s father Walt developed Killarkin into one of Europe’s leading nurseries. Think Steel Heart, Bitty Girl, Hot Spark and, of course, Smokey Lady.

All of them champions.

Walt would regularly provide the ‘sale-topper’ at Tattersalls. And Mary, likewise, enjoyed many famous days at Goffs. The foals she produced invariably stood out. With the help of Sean they would be walked in hand at home; they were biddable, they walked for fun at the sales, they stood to perfection.

They caught the eye.

Working off just a small budget Mary bred racehorses that punched way above their weight. Ivawood, a top two-year-old and placed in two classics (who Mary and her great friend Debbie Kitchin bred in partnership), springs readily to mind. And, there was High Society, a stakes winner who then produced Society Rock, a dual Group 1 winner and £1 million earner.

She was hugely discerning in her stallion selection. Only a few days ago I spoke to her following a stud visit (with Debbie and Steph von Schilcher). She described each stallion’s physique minutely. No matter what deals would be offered, if the stallion didn’t complement her intended mare, the marriage wouldn’t happen!

We recently went into partnership in a filly called Shorter Skirt (we didn’t choose the name!). I already considered myself a winner.

Mary’s life was about far more than just horses. I sometimes thought she treated life as a ‘theory’. Everything needed to be tested or proven. She was adventurous. Then, she’d stick mischievously true to her opinion. It made her the most wonderful company.

Her early education included The Hall, followed by a school in Wales. Then, at Trinity, she studied natural science, before doing her masters at Bath in horticulture. She was a botanist, and not only could she recognise every plant by their English name, she would then offer up its name in Latin - as if it might help!

Her knowledge in gardening matters was incredible. She was a much valued member of both the Irish Garden and Plant Society and the Maynooth Flower and Garden Club. And her immense generosity has ensured that many of our gardens are now enriched by plants grown by her.

As we heard from the Reverend Alison, Mary was extremely well travelled and, ironically, keen on her health matters. But, gifted as she was with an incredible brain and retentive memory, her prime purpose was to have fun. More accurately, it was for others to have fun.

In company with friends I was fortunate to spend many holidays with her barging on the Shannon. They were hilarious! She was only an adequate navigator, but we visited unintended places with huge enthusiasm! We saw the river from a different angle and we were, in truth, an inadequate crew.

On these days vodka and orange juice comprised our breakfast, which may account for the shambles that might develop through the day!

I remember one year when Mary did the booking. We were pleased as it seemed great value. Sometimes I thought a ‘gin palace’ cruiser might suit us better. This was definitely a barge - or once had been a barge!

All was well until we tried to face it in a direction. It was listing! We were listing!

They were the most beautiful, carefree days! Erica, Katie, John, Ana, Dot, David, Geraldine ... allow yourselves a smile!

Ivawood, bred by Mary Davison and Debbie Kitchin

I should also mention Mary’s sporting prowess and her fiercely competitive nature. I first noticed it at Ratoath Hockey Club, a weekly gathering of enthusiasts of all ages. Some years later Mary and I got keen on squash. She was like the Duracell Bunny - the game was never over!

Often, in Mary’s company, a glass of wine would be involved! She had a discerning palate. The first sip would inevitably be followed by a comment on the grape.

The lack/possession of ‘legs’ would be mentioned. And, always, whether or not it was ‘fruity’.

Indeed, Mary was a long-standing and valued member of the Knights of Bacchus Club. And she introduced the club’s motto non sputum nostros.English translation ‘we don’t spit!’

Another excellent qualifying rule for club membership that she initiated was “Is it red, or is it white?”

Those of you who were there will not forget a stage production by the Knights of Bacchus that was put on in Enfield Town Hall. It was billed as a Victorian melodrama, written by Joe Barry and Stuart Lane. It was truly dreadful! Mary had two parts, that of Lady Agnes Trueheart (Sir Toby Trueheart’s alcoholic sister), and she then doubled as a Hindu servant boy – her accent being critically acclaimed in all dispatches! She so appreciated the ridiculous and she enjoyed being at the heart of it!

Before Christmas we had lunch at a restaurant that possessed a fine wine list. The sommelier was relentlessly quizzed, and then Mary’s charm kicked in! Having done justice to one bottle, he was summoned again to produce two glasses of a different grape – this time on the house!

Mary’s kindness and commitment knew no bounds. She was a giver. This is well illustrated by her incredible work for Riding for the Disabled. She gave up every Tuesday to RDA. Vets and blacksmiths were asked not to call on this day.

Children with autism (and associated difficulties) were the beneficiaries. She understood their needs. She had empathy with them. Testament came last year when the RDA’s Rider of the Year came from Mary’s St Paul’s group, the child having profited hugely under her tuition.

Mary might have chosen to leave this world with a foal at hand. Or perhaps with a home-grown plant that she had earmarked for a friend. Or maybe her camera, having taken a splendid picture under the MD Pix banner.

She was a hugely accomplished photographer and, for some time, a weekly contributor to The Irish Field and Irish Farmers Journal.

But it is not entirely inappropriate, if entirely mistimed, that it should have been at her computer – Mary, as always, siphoning reason from theory.

A devoted daughter, a wonderful sister, a terrific aunt and the truest and most loyal friend any of us could wish for.

And when, later on today, we’re holding a glass in our hand to celebrate her life I’d like you to consider which grape it might be, and is it fruity?

Mary, you were quite wonderful. We’ll miss you so much.

Mary Eleanor Davison - born March 31st 1953, died January 7th 2020