Passing of Margot Lowth

MANY tributes were paid this week by past and present members of Cheval Riding Club to former chairperson Margot Lowth who, following a long battle with cancer, died peacefully in Beaumont Hospital last Friday surrounded by her family.

Née Fox, Margot was born in Skerries, Co Dublin, where she attended school in her early years before moving on to the Loreto Convent in Balbriggan. The nuns there must have had an influence on her as she entered the Loreto Order as a Novice but left within the year. She married Laurence Lowth in 1958 and had four children including Dressage Ireland judge Christina Keane.

In the 1970s, there were few opportunities for amateur riders to compete and have fun, so Margot and a group of like-minded enthusiasts founded Cheval Riding Club in 1977. She competed actively for many years until she stopped riding then, becoming a judge with the Show Jumping Association of Ireland, continued to support the club by judging at its Wednesday night shows and other AIRC competitions throughout the region.

In 1978, Margot’s determination and drive saw her, together with other parents and supporters, found the Fingal Association for the Handicapped (now Prosper Fingal), a service which hadn’t been available to her son Laurence.

She was a skilled dressmaker, creative gardener, turned her hand to paving and embraced modern technology. She was an active member of Skerries Sailing Club, played golf, commenced skiing in her 40s, started running in her 50s, danced her way through her 60s and 70s and, as she slowed down in her 80s, began taking Zumba classes.

Margot loved to travel and, from her early 20s when she took a memorable trip to Italy, was smitten by the wonders of the world. She lived in England for several years and then, as her family moved on, her world expanded as she travelled throughout Europe, visited America both north and south, India, Africa, China, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and, in her late 70s travelled on her own to Uzbekistan and Kurdistan.

Margot is survived by her children Laurence, Christina, Louise and Nicholas to whom The Irish Field extends its sympathies.

Paddy Brennan RIP

THE death took place this week of highly respected Monaghan horseman Patrick ‘Paddy’ Brennan (93). Formerly of Errybane, Oram, Castleblayney, he was predeceased by his wife Patricia and son Brian. He is survived by his children Paddy, Mary and Helen, his sister Maura and brother Frances as well as extended relatives and friends.