Posts Tagged ‘Fox Hunting’

Shillelagh and District Hunt, Tally Ho Meet, November 17th 2012

Saturday, November 17th, 2012

David Nolan with the hounds.

Pierre serves up some Dutch courage.

Howard rallys the troops.

Mandy and Dixie ready to rock.

Tally Ho meet.

Following the hounds.

Wingfield Hunt, December 3rd, 2011.

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

The Shillelagh and District Hunt held their annual meet at Wingfield, close to Ballythomas and the Gap today. A good turnout on what was a chilly but nevertheless bright day. Lots of jumps and ditches to negotiate, especially between Wingfield and Toberpatrick. The hounds, ably led by huntsman and Master of the Hounds David Nolan were doing their stuff, those in the saddle were having a ball.

Mandy Hayden aboard Cluny, Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

Huntsman and Master of the Hounds David Nolan, Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

One of many drains, Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

They start them young, no fear at the Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

Life's a ditch, Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

Heading for the hills, Wingfield Hunt, Dec' 2011.

Tally Ho Hunt.

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

The Tally Ho hunt meets a mile down our lane and cuts across the town lands of Toberlonagh, Toberpatrick, and Wingfield, negotiating dikes, ditches, banks, and gates. Overcast, misty, and damp, a good crew set out led by huntsmen David Nolan, Colin Jackson and Howard Woods. I lost them in the bog close to Abbeylawn, an occasional blast of a hunting horn and the baying of hounds receding into the undulating countryside the only evidence of their presence.

Setting off at Tally Ho, November 2011.

Howard and Mandy, Tally Ho Hunt November 2011.

Tally ho hunt, Susan.

Tally Ho hunt, Colin.

New Years Day Hunt, Carnew, Co. Wicklow

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

What better way to start the new year and blow away the party cobwebs then to take a rough and tumble ride in the country. The Shillelagh and District Hunt meets in Carnew, Co. Wicklow, annually on the first of January. At least forty riders ventured out this year, some a little worse for wear, and had a fine day out in glorious sunshine.

Meeting outside Sinnott's pub, Carnew, Co. Wicklow.

Heading out the Fern’s road the plan was to work a wide loop around the village towards the Kilcavan gap. Due to soft conditions a lot of farm land was out of bounds. To make up for this various makeshift jumps had been organised along the planned route.

Huntsman David Nolan leading the charge.

David Nolan works and manages a fine pack of hounds. They love the run out and are very responsive to his calls and commands.

On the scent.

Hedges, ditches, gates, or pallets, there is no stopping the Shillelagh Hunt members when they get going. Hold onto your hat, grab the mane, and keep your heels down!

Howard Woods clearing a gate, Carnew, Co. Wicklow.

Tally Ho!!

Friday, December 31st, 2010

The recent cold spell decimated the hunting calender locally with eight meets called off. However nothing was going to deter the Shillelagh and District Hunt from holding their traditional boxing day event in the village of Tinahely, Co. Wicklow. It was agreed to give the hounds a run and stage a walking hunt. Not quite the same razzmatazz given the equine absences but an escape from cabin fever and a chance to socialise non the less.

A huntsman and his hounds, boxing day, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.

Gathering in the village square outside Murphy’s Hotel the local community imbibed hot whiskeys and ports, discussed Christmas, snow, the economy, future meets, and what ever else caught your fancy. The hounds yelped and the huntsmen added a bit of colour. To the sound of a hunting horn the group headed off in the direction of Coolboy hounds sniffing and quartering the ground. A fine tradition upheld.

Crossing a stubble field, Parkbridge, Co. Carlow, Ireland.

The following Tuesday after a sudden and welcome thaw Egan’s public house of Parkbridge hosted the annual children’s Christmas Hunt. An opportunity for the youngsters to experience a hack out over open country. Well attended the day was mild and grey, the ground soft but not heavy. Hip flasks and stirrup cups are the pre-hunt ritual, keeping warm or dutch courage? Probably a bit of both.

Participants arriving to the Parkbridge hunt.

The Tinahely Riding Club and the Shillelagh and District Hunt are fundamental to the local community, like the GAA they are inextricably linked with rural life. Horses create a common bond and a deep rooted social outlet appreciated by both young and old alike.

Clearing a ditch, Parkbridge Hunt.

The kids had a ball on what was a grey foggy day. It stayed mild and the rain did not fall. The horses got a much needed run out and the hounds enjoyed mooching around the countryside.

Out of the fog, Parkbridge Hunt, Co. Carlow.

At days end all those involved retired to Egan’s for much needed sustenance. Hot soup and sandwiches for all, crisps and lemonade for the youngsters, and of course we cannot leave out uncle Arthur.

A pint of the black stuff, Egan's of Parkbridge.