THE last time I planned a visit to the Wicklow Foxhounds, Castletown Liam Mellows, the hurling team coached by huntsman Brendan Kavanagh and local veterinary surgeon Austin Fanning, were in the intermediate county final and won it for the first time in 60 years.

The club have very competitive football and camogie teams and boasts a modern indoor training facility. Wexford is a great hurling county, with the hunt chairman Doran O’Toole’s son, Doran Jr, and Austin’s son, Conor – who both hunt - both playing on the Wexford under 21 team. The local Golden Anchor Bar, where the Wicklows meet, sponsor the teams.