HUNTING and farming in Co Wexford lost a stalwart friend, with the sudden passing of long-standing Island Hunt Chairman John Gahan on the morning of Friday, January 3rd, 2025.

John was the embodiment of that vital sportsman, the hunting farmer. Farming mainly dairy cattle from Ballycarrigeen, near Ferns, John hardly missed a day with his cherished Island Hounds and, such was his standing and diplomacy in the County, rarely was the hunt refused access.

A member of the Irish Farmers Association, a key supporter and one time player in both disciplines with Monageer and Boolavogue GAA, he also played soccer and boxed for his local club in his youth. But it was as a foxhunting farmer, hunt committee member, walker of foxhound puppies, producer of young horses and ultimately Island Hunt Chairman that John Gahan will be remembered throughout the South East of Ireland.

Born at his family’s farm where he spent his life, John devoted much time to his family and the hunt, becoming a key enthusiast behind the Island point-to-point. He followed his father ‘Councillor Gahan’ (also an Island Hunt Chairman) into aspects of local life, whilst married to his beloved wife, Joan. They had a son, James and daughters, Katie and Mary, the former living in Australia. His extended family supported John in all his hunting, farming and horse activities.

Images of John crossing Co Wexford’s challenging banks following the Island hounds on his Irish Draught bay gelding Kavanagh became folklore, not only among his family, but also with the hunting community of ‘the Sunny South East’.

Gracious

Sadly, in 2009, John lost the love of his life, when his wife Joan passed away. It was a huge blow, but some years later Belinda Walsh (now Island Hunt Secretary) came into his life. Belinda remained John’s devoted partner until his unexpected passing. Despite reaching an age when some consider hanging up their boots, John was producing a grey three-year-old Irish Draught gelding to replace Kavanagh.

He intended to be chasing Wexford foxes for many a year yet. Curiously, on the morning before his removal, an Island fox sauntered down John Gahan’s farm lane, paused under his kitchen window, and then went on his way. John would have wished to raise a hat to such an honoured visitor.

Among many tributes, the description ‘true gentleman’ appears repeatedly, including appreciations from as far away as the USA, Australia and Norway. John was a legend being considered a ‘gracious’ neighbour, who would offer prompt help under any circumstances.

John Gahan died at his home aged 69. A huge turnout at his Boolavogue funeral saw his final journey with John’s riderless horse Kavanagh with stirrups rolled led by his nephew P J O’Connor. Mounted were his friends and Island masters, Ted Nolan and Conal Dreelan, with Island huntsman Paul Scallan. Paul blew ‘Gone Away’ at the departed Chairman’s graveside.

The Island Hunt will not see his like again.

May you rest in peace, hunt chairman.

R.B