OVER 200 people from every sphere of the sport horse industry turned up at the RDS library last Thursday evening for the launch of Fergal Ringrose’s book Billy Ringrose: A memoir of my father.

The 280-page memoir of his father’s life and equestrian career is packed with over 80 photographs of Billy Ringrose’s time serving in the Army Equitation School, first as an officer and later as Officer Commanding.

Over the course of over a year Fergal Ringrose sat down with his parents and recorded a series of conversations about his father’s career.

He also spoke to other equestrians – Ned Campion, Dermot Forde, Sneezy Foster, John Ledingham, Brian MacSweeney and Des Ringrose – to help complete the story of one of the greats of Irish show jumping.

Ringrose was in great spirits as he sat proudly with his wife Joan, to whom he is married for 61 years next month, and listened to the great memories of his illustrious career.

One of the finest moments of that glittering career was within the space of a month in 1961 when he won the Grand Prix in Nice, France, followed by what was arguably his best day in the saddle, when dominating at the Piazza de Siena in Rome, winning and placing second in the Grand Prix, presented by Queen Elizabeth II.

President of the RDS Bernie Brennan described Ringrose as an example to use all as she opened the evening. He became a member of the RDS in 1976 and, as well as serving as chairman of the RDS equestrian committee and main arena director at the Dublin Horse Show, he also served a term as President of the RDS from 1998-2001.

“His work as a voluntary officer is an example to us all,” Brennan explained, adding: “I am delighted that his son Fergal has been able to bring together the remarkable life of Col Billy Ringrose in this excellent publication and wish to congratulate Fergal on this achievement.”

Billy’s grand nephew Gary Ringrose, Leinster and Ireland rugby star, who is continuing the great association with the Ringrose name and the RDS arena, albeit in a different sporting sphere, was present on the evening to support his family.

Col Ned Campion, another star of the Army Equitation school and former Officer Commanding, said when he arrived at McKee Barracks as a 20-year-old there were a lot of household names there, but one big star.

“There was one star amongst them when I arrived, and that was this man here today – Bill Ringrose – he was a shining light and he was well on his way to becoming a household name even at that stage,” Campion said.

“It was an honour and treasure for us to watch his progress and he was about to pass it on to those who came after him, and what a good job he did.”

Speaking about the importance of the Army Equitation School and its mission of promoting the Irish horse on an international stage, Campion said Ringrose was fully aware of the role he played and the footsteps that would follow him in the school.

“I think that Bill was unique in that he was that great link between the magical times before the war and what happened afterwards, carried on to today, where Irish riders are the best in the world and we are European champions in show jumping.

“The outstanding thing about Bill Ringrose in the fact that he never lost sight of that mission that was originally given in the army. And his devotion to duty was exemplary in every sense. So all of Billy’s exploits and great deeds are in the book – ye will all get a chance to read them,” Campion added.

EXTRACTS

Fergal Ringrose gave the audience fantastic insights into his book, describing it as a three-way narrative between himself and his mother and father.

Billy and Joan met in Galway in September 1955 when Billy was there to play rugby for the defence forces against Connacht. A Galway girl from Salthill, Joan met Billy at the ‘dance’ as they were called back then, and the rest in history, Fergal explained.

One extract which had everyone entertained was a conversation the three were having when reflecting on Billy’s very successful trips to North America in 1955 and 1956.

Reading from the book, Fergal said: “I say to him: Harrisburg was your most successful show. He said: Why was that? I said: “You won two Nations Cups there in 1955 and 1956 and four individual classes on different horses. Six wins in Harrisburg in total, including the Grand Prix in 1965.

“He replies: Are you listening to this Joan? Think about that the next time you ask me to get up and close the window. How can you ask a person with such distinction to do such a thing!”

The evening ended with Billy himself thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate his son’s book.

“All I want to say is, I was lucky to end up as a winner and how I will do that is say thank you all for coming, many old friends still hale and hearty and following the horse, so enjoy yourselves folks and good night from me.”

Billy Ringrose: A memoir of my father is only available to buy on www.billyringrose.ie.