IT seems only like yesterday since we hunted with Ger Withers from a meet at Liscarroll. As always he was at his professional best with the hounds he loved. When meeting Ger, be it for the first time or as an old friend, the first thing that struck you was his marvellous smile that would lighten the darkest room.

His natural enthusiasm was infectious as was his obvious good humour. No matter what the pressure of the day, he had a word for all and was never slow to peel off his horse to shake hands with and greet the visiting stranger.

But it was when hounds spoke that he reached a new level of enthusiasm. As he decided which hound had spoken – could he be depended on – as he blew the Gone Away, followers knew that both they and horses were going to be tested. That is why keen foxhunters, and there are none keener than in Duhallow, attributed to Ger little short of miraculous powers.

Sadly, all this was cruelly brought to a shattering end.

While Duhallow has suffered a tremendous and irreparable loss, it is Maria and his beloved children Jack, Sarah, and James who will live down the days without him, the dad and husband they loved.

May there be hunting in celestial fields.

Dickie and Catherine Power

Hunting correspondents