THE Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland (RDA Ireland) is deeply saddened by the recent death of its esteemed Treasurer and friend, Stephen Keeley.

Keeley started volunteering with Special Olympics at the World Summer Games in 2003 and, after that, he became hooked on improving the lives of those with special needs. He then went on to help every year as an arena party member at the RDAI display ride at the Dublin Horse Show.

Stephen joined RDA Ireland as Treasurer in September 2015 and became a member of the Board. A spokesperson for the association said: “He was frank and forthright at our meetings, and always had our organisation’s best interests at heart. We benefitted greatly from the vast experience he brought to us from his working life.

“His official title of Treasurer does not describe what a huge part he played in transforming our organisation, and how he carefully steered us through the new world of compliance, governance, and the new rules on running a charity. He has transformed us from RDAI as an association, to RDA Ireland CLG, regulated by the Charities Regulatory Authority.

“He worked tirelessly for the organisation, and the wellbeing of our riders and the horses we use was always foremost in his mind. He spent hours helping with administration, representing us in the larger horse world, and fundraising, so we could deliver a better service to our clients.”

Members of RDA Ireland are grateful to Stephen for the years he dedicated to being Treasurer and will miss him enormously. Sympathy goes to his wife Adrienne, his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends on his untimely death.

“He has left us a remarkable legacy, and RDA Ireland has gained so much, thanks to his unwavering dedication and commitment.”