A tribute to Terence McKeag BEM
From Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride and Saintfield Horse Show
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our great friend, Terence McKeag. Terence was the life and soul of both the Santa Ride and Saintfield Horse Show.
The first Santa Ride was in 2007 and Terence entertained the crowds of people, who gathered in Saintfield from then until 2019, when he became ill. Terence received a presentation of an original Leo Casement painting at the launch of the 2019 Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride to thank him for his services throughout the years to both the Santa Ride and Saintfield Horse Show. He was joined by his very good friend, Hugo Duncan at the ride in 2019.
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Every year, Terence welcomed the ‘Real Santa’ in his magnificent carriage and the multitude of Santas that followed behind. He kept everyone in Saintfield in stitches laughing; he was a true natural comedian and larger than life character.
At Saintfield Horse Show every year, he commentated the ‘Donkey Derby’ and again the crowds adored him and quite often joined in singing ‘Delaney's Donkey’. The ‘craic’ was mighty when Terence had the microphone in his hand!
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Heather and all the family. May God sustain you all through this very trying time.
Terence, we will all miss you so much and never forget you. Thank you so much for all you've done.
JC