THE shed beside hunt chairman Ger O’Brien’s house was bustling with North Galway Foxhounds hunt followers and locals, with a bar surround left in place after an engagement party the week before. Local farmer John Morris assumed the role of barman and he was dispensing from a line of bottles that ran along the counter. I am sure he would have a go at mixing a cocktail if requested! Ger’s mother Mary comes from a sheep farming family in Belclare and, together with his sister Marie and niece Edwina, they put on a range of refreshments getting the day off to a good start. This was the essence of genuine West of Ireland hospitality in a relaxed environment. Ger is grounded, as a result of a hunting accident last season, but had organised the hunting country. Before the followers mounted up, he asked them to support The Irish Pilgrimage Trust, who were bringing children with special needs to Lourdes. Noeleen Shevlin Potter, who hunted with Lady Molly Cusack Smith, joined in the excitement of the day. And the oldest visitor was 91-year-old Breda McCaul, who travelled from County Monaghan to have a day out with the North Galways!

This is the heart of Galway Gaelic Football country and the North Galway hunting jackets are not traditional red coats, but the maroon of the GAA jerseys.