THERE was a great gathering of hunting people last Saturday evening for the Duhallow Puppy Show, surely a sign that things have returned to normal in the hunting world.

Happily the weather held off allowing judges and spectators to enjoy the Duhallow sunshine. Judging were Jim Kenny, huntsman of the Waterford Foxhounds, assisted by former Waterford huntsman Maurice Flanagan. Huntsman Jamie Byrne and helpers Killian Hough and Peter Kiely had kennels and hounds in absolutely spic and span condition. Senior joint-master and tremendous hunt supporter Kate Jarvey acted as MC and announced the winners, though sadly none of the pups she walked were in the line-up.

A poignant moment before judging was the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the late Ger Withers who gave his life to hunting. Duhallow joint-masters present included Pat Hayes, Liz Aherne and debutante joint-master Joe DeCourcy from the VWH but now resident near Skibbereen in the depths of west Cork. Having hunted with the Duhallow last season from a meet at Ballyhooly, he was hooked and couldn’t wait to sign up.

Visiting masters included Oliver Ryan-Purcell who has only recently taken over the Ormond. Visiting huntsmen included Gary Kelly (Kilkenny), Killian Slattery (Kilusty White Heather) and Marie O’Connor (Woodrock and Blackwater Beagles). Her joint-master Pat Hayes is looking forward to another very busy season as, in addition to his Duhallow duties, he is master of the Iveaghs in far flung Co Down. As always, long serving Duhallow chairman Pat Fleming was on hand to welcome locals and visitors alike. Former Duhallow master, Maurice O’Connor and his wife Rosemary - main stays of all things Duhallow - were there enjoying the afternoon.

Judging at Duhallow Puppy Show, Jim Kenny and Maurice Flanagan \ Catherine Power

Quality entry

With nine couple of young entry, equally divided between dogs and bitches and every one of them with enough class and quality for Stradbally in the line-up, the judges had their work cut out for them to select winners.

Winner in the dog section was Sober by Duhallow Partridge ’17 out of Solid, a seventh season bitch. He was walked by Miah Twomey with Brisbane, walked by Pat and Eleanor Fleming, a close second. Chairman by Duhallow Lawyer ’16, walked by Rickie Healy, placed third.

Meanwhile in the bitch section, Solar really caught the judges’ eye. Home-bred by Partridge ’17, she was walked by Patrick Coleman. Second and third, Bridesmaid and Bramble are both by Waterford Albert ‘18 and were walked by Cillian Slattery and Bill Cogan respectively. Best working dog was given to Parachute walked by Patrick Coleman and best working bitch was Panic walked by Roger Kiely.

For real hound lovers, the sight of the day was the complete Duhallow pack in the parade ring, as fine a pack of old English as there are in these islands. The rain resumed, having held off during judging, but Duhallow had thoughtfully provided an ample marquee for the prize giving, followed by a barbecue.

Joe DeCourcy MFH and Maurice Coleman at the Duhallow Puppy Show \ Catherine Power