ARCOIreland regrets to inform its members of the death of Colonel William (Billy) Ringrose of Whitethorn Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. On 29th April 2020, in his 90th year, peacefully, in the exceptional care of the staff at Belmont House Care Home. Predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (O’Malley), his sons Paul and John and his brother Ronald. Beloved father of Fergal, deeply regretted by his daughters-in-law Charlie (Bateman) and Lucy (Freeman), grandson Conor, siblings Clare, Des and Dolores, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.
Billy Ringrose was a member of 23 Cadet Class (1949 – 1951). During his distinguished riding career he represented Ireland twice at the Olympic Games and won six individual international show jumping Grands Prix and seven Nations Cup team events. He was a member of the first mixed Army-civilian Irish team to win the Aga Khan Cup in 1963 along with Diana Conolly-Carew, Seamus Hayes and Tommy Wade.
He won the Aga Khan Cup again in 1967, alongside Hayes, Wade and Colonel Ned Campion.
He went on to become Commanding Officer of the Army Equitation School, which he joined with his brother Captain Des Ringrose in 1952, and Chef d’Equipe of the Irish Equestrian Team. He was Chef when the team of Paul Darragh, James Kernan, Eddie Macken and Captain Con Power won their famous three-in-a-row Aga Khan Cup victories between 1977 and 1979.
May he Rest In Peace
In accordance with Government directives and in the interests of public health, a private funeral Mass will take place on Saturday. Family flowers only please. Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Billy’s death notice on rip.ie – https://rip.ie/death-notice/colonel-william-billy-ringrose–dublin/421930
A memorial service to celebrate Billy’s life will be held at a later date.
