BLINK and you missed it – that was the speed at which hunting photographer Catherine Power’s first book sold out at Sunday’s packed launch in the Dunraven Arms.

An enormous crowd, estimated to be not too far shy of 500 people, turned out from across the country in a fitting tribute to a well known hunting couple Catherine and Dickie Power.

Between the book launch and the local Christmas Fair, the picturesque village of Adare was at a virtual standstill for much of the afternoon.

Tributary speeches were given at the book launch by Chris Ryan of the Scarteens – who, as undoubtedly the world’s best known master, fittingly features on the cover, crossing a river with the famous Black and Tans hounds eagerly following behind – and editor of The Irish Field, Leo Powell.

With long queues forming for Catherine’s book-signing, and books limited to two per person as demand continued unabated, it was delightful to see just how much both Catherine and Dickie’s continuing contribution to the colourful world of Irish hunting over the years was truly appreciated by all.