THIS year marks the 200th anniversary of formal hunting in Co Carlow and one family in particular laid the foundations for foxhunting in the county that stood the test of time.

The Watson family of Ballydarton founded the Tullow Hunt, which was one of the first of its kind, featuring its own clubhouse, stabling, and fully staffed accommodation for hunt followers. The Watsons planted coverts, some of which are in still in existence today, such as Graney, Rathdaniel, Ballydarton and John’s Gorse, and imported different strains of foxhounds.