THERE is always a red letter day in our calendar in July for the Co Limerick Hunt Puppy Show, held at their Clonshire kennels.

The coincidence of dates, with Limerick playing in Croke Park, didn’t deter a large group of hunt followers and hound enthusiasts from further afield who came to see the traditional Old English foxhound at its best and they were not disappointed. There to welcome the guests were joint-master Emma Thompson and hunt secretary Deirdre Hogan.

With 14 and a half couple of young entry to be adjudicated, judges, the Hon. Johnny Greenall MFH (Meynell) and Paul Scallan, huntsman of The Island Hunt, had their work cut out for them. Huntsman Fergus Stokes and whipper-in David Beecher, assisted by kennel man Tommy Sheehy, had the young entry, all home-bred, looking a picture. Best dog was Stringer by Limerick Tartan ’16 out of Limerick Silla ’19 whose progeny was second in the bitch class.

Meanwhile in the bitch classes, Animate took the honours, walked by the Hartigan family, and is by Limerick Padre ’19 out of Ainsley ’17. Perhaps the high point of the day is when the pack is enlarged in the show ring and all 45 couple looked a picture.

Johnny Greenall is no stranger to Clonshire having spent most of his summers there as a boy with his grandfather ‘Toby’ Lord Daresbury. In his short address at the prize giving, he told many amusing anecdotes of a hunting Ireland that no longer exists. Sadly, his own pack, the Meynell, where he carried the horn since 1990, has disbanded due to pressure on country from urbanisation.

Sir Francis and Lady Brooke, Laura and the Hon.Johnny Greenall MFH, Emma Thompson MFH and Charles Thompson at the Co Limerick Puppy Show at Clonshire \ Catherine Power

Also enjoying the day were Sir Francis and Lady Catherine Brooke from nearby Glenbevan. He has just about recovered from a challenging week as His Majesty’s personal representative in a very successful renewal of Royal Ascot. His sister, Emma Thompson, is joint-master, as was their late mother, Lady Melissa Brooke. Also enjoying the day was former master Kate Jarvey, now master of the Duhallow, with huntsman Jamie Byrne.

No day in Clonshire would be complete without hunt stalwart Belinda Johnson who walked two couple and Lady Harrington whose family have been steeped in all things connected with the hunt.

Another former joint-master present was Mrs Olivia Hoare, now living in the farm by Lough Gur which she has lovingly restored. Former Limerick Harrier huntsman Michael Buckley and his wife Mary, one of the outstanding cross-country riders in her day, were both on hand to cast a knowing eye on the young entry.

After judging, the prize giving took place at Clonshire House, now the home of Emma Thompson and her husband Charles. They made sure everyone was well looked after and enjoyed the hog roast barbecue.

Olivia Hoare with judge, the Hon Johnny Greenall MFH, Fergus Stokes (huntsman), Paul Scallan (judge), Dickie Power and Kate Jarvey MFH of the Duhallow Foxhounds at the Co Limerick Hunt Puppy Show at Clonshire \ Catherine Power