Name of Huntsman and where from: William John Henry, Nugentstown, Cortown, Kells, Co Meath.

Name of pack: The Meath Foxhounds.

Kennels based at: Nugentstown, Cortown, Kells, Co Meath.

What type of hounds and how many: We have mostly Modern English with some Old English. We also have three couple that are an American breed. Altogether we have 50 couple in the kennels.

Where did your interest in hunting stem from? My father, who was huntsman previous to me. He was the youngest huntsman to hunt hounds in Europe, as he started at the tender age of 17.

Where did you originally gain your hunting experience? I served my time with the Duhallow Foxhounds. There, I was tutored by Dan and Maurice Coleman and they shared a vast amount of knowledge about hunting and crossing country with me. And of course, from my father Johnny Henry, who I still get advice from daily.

Daily role of a huntsman (on non-hunting days)? I start the kennels at 7am. We walk out the hounds for half an hour or so. Then it’s back to the kennels to wash down the hound lodges. We treat any lame hounds, then feeding time, after which we allow the hounds to rest.

While we have breakfast, my brother Kenny and I plan the day ahead. Kenny has been hunting the doghounds for the last 13 seasons. He stepped up to the role of huntsman after I have a bad hunting accident. He does a great job - even if we do have an odd heated exchange!

Pre-hunt day prep: On the day before we hunt, I usually set off at 10am to plan the next day’s hunting. I call to as many farmers as possible to seek permission to cross their land. I am constantly in contact with both Kenny and Barry (Barry has held the role of whip for the last eight seasons) to let them know in which order we will draw, what electric fences need to be turned off, and what other obstacles we may need to overcome or avoid such as livestock. We find calling to visit our farmers better than phone calls as it is more a personal way of saying thank you and are able to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea (or the odd hot whiskey!) with the different farmers.

How are the various meets chosen? We meet with our masters at the start of the season to plan our starting date. This usually depends on what kind of summer we had weather wise. Later we meet with the different hunts whom we share some of the country with. This allows us to ensure we don’t hunt an area too close to one another or overhunt an area.

How do you decide which of hounds will go hunting? I pick a pack of 20 and a half couple up to Christmas. Then, anything from 17 and a half couple to 15 and a half couple depending on bitches in whelp, injuries and the hounds form. Hounds are like humans, they can have good days and bad days and can go off form. The hounds do on average at least 50km two days a week so it is important they are very fit and healthy. We are very fortunate to have a well-bred pack, and with the help from Dad, they keep producing sport, season after season. This season has been one of the best in years. It is all down to a great team putting in great effort, from all our masters, whip Barry, kennel man Shane and of course, the farmers.

How important is the kennels relationship with the local community? We run a dead animal collection service which allows us to keep an open and good relationship with the community and local famers - especially during the summer. We also open the kennel doors to the local schools to come and visit the hounds and horses and teach them about the preparations involved before hunting season.

We hold a puppy show every summer which invites our hunting community and puppy walkers to come and visit our kennels. The show is courtesy of our four great masters - Andrew, Richard, Pat and Norman.

Any favourite hunting memories? One of my favourite memories, among many great ones, has to be my first season hunting the hounds. It was the opening meet at Kells and we were having a quiet day, but then went on to draw the famous Robertstown covert and the hounds found a fox. He left the covert right beside me and the hounds were hunting really well. I then took out my horn to blow to ground and my Dad (field-master on the day) appeared looking unhappy. He said: ‘Blow it now because you haven’t all day!’ It turned out in all the excitement I had forgotten to let the rest of the field know what was happening and they were left standing waiting for over 15 minutes! I have since learned never to forget to let the field know he’s ‘gone away!’

What in your view is the best thing about hunting and being a huntsman? I love getting up in the morning knowing I will be out in the fresh air with the hounds. Meeting lovely people and I have a great family who support me in both good and, in particular, bad days!