SINCE the first steeplechase was run back in 1752 from Buttevant to Doneraile, when two Duhallow hunting men raced from steeple to steeple, the link between ‘chasing and hunting was born.

The link is alive and well, as evidenced by Cheltenham this week. The great jockeys, and most of them are Irish, learned and perfected their skills in the hunting field.

We have had some marvellous and enjoyable days out with 15 individual packs of hounds this season and we are happy to report all are doing well, having good fields with loads of foot-followers and consistently good sport. Of course, you will hear former hunters of a certain age (usually with a glass in their hands) be-moaning changing times and generally finishing with “things are nothing like they were in our days”.

There may be some element of truth in this, but, from observation, those currently hunting are enjoying their sport every bit as much as those in days of yore. To be on the back of a good horse, crossing the country over a totally unprepared course, with a pack of hounds in front and a group of like-minded friends, what could be better? If you have a red-letter day over a bit of smashing country, that is just the icing on the cake.

While a small number of hunts succumbed to the financial pressures of the new insurance regime, those that remain (the great majority) are rolling up their sleeves, extra fundraising and generally getting on with it. Happily, the welcome hunts receive from farmers and land owners remains as strong as ever.

Personnel changes

Next season is going to see significant changes of personnel around the country. Most notably Duhallow on the retirement of Jamie Byrne, who showed great sport over five seasons. He has been replaced with David Beecher, who was whipping-in to Fergus Stokes with the Co Limerick FH for the last six seasons.

Hughie Ryan has stepped down from his role with the Scarteen Black and Tans, which he hunted as an amateur for the last three seasons. In the interim, he has shown some stellar sport, had back-to-back red-letter days and proved that he is as good a hound man as a horseman. He will be sorely missed. At the time of writing, while there are several applicants, as yet no one has yet been appointed. There are going to be big boots to fill!

Hughie Ryan, pictured with his daughter Lucy and Catherine Ryan, daughter of Pat Ryan, is stepping down as huntsman of the Scarteen Hunt this season \ Catherine Power

Meanwhile, Limerick Harriers’ huntsman (another amateur) Paudge Behan has stepped down after 10 seasons, where he has shown some exceptional sport. Carrying the horn next season will be Finbar Feighan, former whipper-in to Ger Withers in Duhallow.

Neill Simpson is stepping down after a season in Kilkenny, where he had stepped into the breach at short notice and hunted the county pack with style and distinction. James Walsh, born and bred in Thomastown, will be returning from the UK, where he was with the Portman in Dorset and will hunt hounds next season. A former whipper-in, he will have no difficulty in adjusting to the challenging Kilkenny country.

Oliver Ryan-Purcell has stepped down as master and huntsman of the famed and historic Ormond Foxhounds on the Offaly/Tipperary border. Hounds will be hunted next season by Keith Breen, who was first whipper-in last season.

Finally in this round-up, Jamie Cross, after seven successful seasons, has stepped down as huntsman of the Stonehall Harriers in west Limerick and will be replaced by Steven Daly, an electrician, who acted as Jamie’s wing man during his term of office.

Autumn hunting will commence in August/September. Let the season roll on! In the meantime, enjoy some of Catherine Power’s memorable photos from the 2024/2025 season.

Clodagh Spain dismounts after a great day with the North Tipperary Foxhounds with Lough Derg in the background \ Catherine Power

Shane Breen MFH takes the Scarteen banks in his stride at Pallasgreen, Co Limerick \ Catherine Power

Dave Hennessy (11), on his first days hunting, sails over the hedge on his great pony \ Catherine Power

Spotted out with the North Kerry Harriers was Shannon O’Mahony, gracefully taking on the banks on her lovely grey horse \ Catherine Power