THE Co Limerick Foxhounds have really hit a purple patch this season, with one red letter day hot on the heels of another, so expectations were high when we attended our local meet at Knockainey with the County pack on Bank Holiday Monday.

Knockainey is steeped in racing and hunting history. Knockainey Stud, just a stone’s throw from the meet, produced no less than two Derby winners, Ard Patrick and Galtee More, in 1902 and 1897 respectively, when it was the property of John Gubbins, who was also master and huntsman of the Co Limerick Foxhounds of the day.