Name: Denis O’Sullivan.

From: Derry, Listowel , Co Kerry.

Name of Pack: The Ormond Hunt Foxhounds.

Kennels based at: The kennels are based in Modreeny, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary.

What type of hounds and how many? We have 30 couple, all old English Foxhounds.

Where did your interest in hunting stem from? My family were always involved in hunting. At a very young age, I was introduced to hunting and spent my school holidays at the local kennels.

Huntsman experience? I whipped-in to the Kingdom Harriers for two years. After this, I spent seven seasons whipping-in to the North Kerry Harriers.

Biggest influence to date? I gained a vast amount of experience from both Eamon Kelleher and David Trant while hunting in Kerry and during the early years; they were both big influences on me. When I moved to the Ormonds, Liam McAlinden (who hunts the East Galway Hunt) and Richard Markham were a great help with the Old English bloodlines.

What is your favourite hunting memory? It was my first season with the Ormonds. At the meet in Corolanty we got a serious spin cross-country for approximately seven miles! It was a great boost to my confidence in my first season as a huntsman.

Daily role of a huntsman (on non-hunting days)? On non-hunting days, my day usually starts at around 8 o’clock. I feed the hunt horses, and then the kennels have to be washed down and the straw beds lifted. Then the hounds have to be exercised and feed, their pads to be checked for lameness, sores etc. Usually I will canvass with the area manager for the next day’s hunting, meeting landowners, checking where stock is out etc. The kennels are washed down in the evening, as well as tack and kit cleaned for the next day’s hunting.

Importance of good relations with landowners? Naturally without the goodwill of the farmers we can’t enjoy our sport. Therefore we put a huge emphasis on both canvassing and fencing before and after each meet.

In your opinion, what are the importance of the local network of puppy walkers? Puppy walkers are very important to a young hound’s life. From teaching them their names, introducing them to different people and animals and in return the puppy walkers get a great kick from seeing their pup in the hunting field.

What is your funniest hunting memory? A couple of years ago, I was drawing a cover on foot when hounds opened and headed cross-country, I went to get back on my horse, only once he heard hounds speaking, he decided he wasn’t waiting for me and took off after the hounds for over a mile. When hounds eventually marked, the horse was there before me.

What in your view is the best thing about hunting and being a huntsman? It’s a tough job, both physically and mentally. But there is no better job satisfaction than getting a good spin with a pack of hounds that you produced. Also, working outdoors and in the countryside, means you meet a variety of different characters from landowners to hunt followers who all want the same thing from a day’s hunting.