IT would be hard to find kennels in a more picturesque location than Co Clare on the banks of the Shannon Estuary looking across the mighty body of water to Foynes in Co Limerick.

It is the third puppy show held since Paddy Considine took over the Clare Hunt pack and they just seem to get better by the year.

Judging this year were Mr George Barratt, huntsman of the Iveagh FH in distant Co Down and Mr Eoin McCabe who hunts the East Galway.

With five and a half couple bred with more than a dash of York and Ainsty and Grove and Rufford bloodlines, the judges had no easy task in picking winners. These are big free ranging hounds with loads of movement which is needed for the limestone country of Co Clare.

Winner of the dog hounds was Bowman (by York and Ainsty Bugler ’15 out of Grove & Rufford Bonnet ’18) while his litter sister Bootlace won the bitch class. Pride of place of course was given to this year’s Stradbally winner Buttercup who is now entering her second season.

Visitors were welcomed by hunt chairman Kevin Coffee while the inimitable Pat “Ardsous” Hannon who recently featured in the pages of The Irish Field spoke of his great days hunting over the mighty walls of his beloved county.

Proper Clare hospitality was provided in the hunt marquee for one and all and it was well after dusk before the huntsman blew for home.