Galtee Foxhounds raise €2,600 for North Cork-based charity funded air ambulance

THE Galtee Foxhounds have been raising money for Ireland’s first charity funded air ambulance which is struggling due to a funding shortfall in the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The North Cork-based air medical service, which is operated by Irish Community Rapid Response and staffed by the National Ambulance Medical personnel, sadly ceased service at the start of the April due to lack of funding, with each flight costing €3,000 to operate.

The Galtee Foxhounds saw fit to try help save the service. Huntsman Kevin Casey felt the air ambulance was a very worthy cause and was delighted to raise €2,600.

“We raised the money at a recent charity auction held in Kilcoran Lodge, with myself acting as auctioneer,” Casey said.

With many exciting lots up for auction, the top lot of the night was an evening hunt coat. “The top lot of the night was an original coat of the Galtee Foxhounds which is over 100 years old and it dates back to the late 1800s, because the hunted ceased for a time around 1910 when the Buckleys left their estate, Galtee Castle.

“It made €440 and Martin Casey (my father) is now the proud owner of it, which is great because it means the coat is now back within the hunt too.”

Well done to all involved!