THE South County Harriers are one of the most popular hunts in Ireland as was evidenced by a very large group of followers at their opening meet, hosted at the picturesque setting of Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare.

The hotel is full of character, with a long history going back to the 13th century which has resulted in a architectural gem with its Norman Castle and Keep, Elizabethan House and Georgian House, and wonderfully manicured gardens providing luxury for guests holidaying in the area, attending horse sales or racing, and is also a unique wedding venue.

Barberstown Castle, with its 55 bedrooms, prides itself on its sporting hospitality and a first choice location for the racing community, horse tourism and the bloodstock industry. Barberstown is also a significant sponsor of horse races at the Curragh, Naas and Punchestown racecourses.

Amy Lambert introduced me to their Equine Halo Salt Therapy Clinic on the grounds, providing treatment for all types of breathing and skin conditions in horses which they maintain is 100% natural and drug-free. Apparently this is a centuries old remedy as it was noticed that workers in salt mines in Eastern Europe never suffered from respiratory or skin issues. And as well as treating on site, they also have a mobile unit that can be rented, and the concept has been so successful that they have installed units all over the world.

Before moving off, a specially commissioned presentation in memory of Paddy (PJ) Musgrave, a great supporter of the Souths who sadly passed away in September, was made to his son Trevor and his granddaughter Ava who accepted it on behalf of his family.

Trevor’s father and sister Louise bred and produced many Grand Prix show jumpers like Clon Vil, Halltown Glen, Riverside Ace, Riverside Swaziland, Coral Springs and Kilbeg Cool Diamond. Their riders have included John Floody, Trevor Breen and Alexander Butler. Trevor Musgrave recalled hunting with the Souths in his youth with regulars like Ruby Walsh and Maureen Bagnall.

Huntsman Paul Kerr has been hunting the pack for over 30 seasons and he nearly did not make the meet as his lorry sat down that morning, but show jumper producer Paddy Quinlan came to the rescue and loaned him his truck. It made quite a sight when Paul and his smashing pack of black and tan hounds and beautifully turned out horses led the field with his three daughters - Grace who has also hunted the pack, and Catherine and Eve - whipping-in.

But on this occasion Eve was in her final training for the Dublin City Marathon which she ran for UNICEF, a very worthy cause. Grace will shortly take up a new appointment in Segenhoe Stud near Sydney, Australia. Nathan Barrett (14) who spends as much time as school permits in the kennels was assisting on the day.

The Souths pack hunt an artificial scent and they are vert well organised with strong teamwork taking turns to organise the hunt country. At Barberstown, Dick Pender and Declan Hughes laid the line assisted by Brendan Osbourne. Road whipper-in Desmond Bell, who also whips-in to Mr Kerr’s Beagles, does a great job in marshalling the traffic, and is at the start of every line before the hunt gets there. Josh, who works for John Hanlon, tidies up any droppings at the meet, and stays at the meet in case of any emergencies.

Followers

Joint-master Niall Byrne’s distinctly marked Appaloosa can really cross-country. He is joined in the mastership by John Hanlon and Barry Murphy. Others hunting were Paul Doyle, former Kildare master and one of the so-called ‘Cut Bush Ten’ who finished on Peter Cahill’s final day hunting the Kildare Foxhounds.

Also out were Aidan Woods, Jamie Taaffe, Patricia Keenan-Doyle, Helga Ryan, Danielle McSorley, Richard Donnelly, Cathy Conlon from Rathangan who was looking after her daughter Emily, who since rode in a pony race at the Curragh. Carol O’Grady from the Fingal Harriers got a great welcome from master Niall Byrne whose daughter Ashling was also hunting, as well as Aine Doyle from Glencarrig Stud, Mary Flynn, honorary secretary Tina Keane, Libby Sheehy who owns Springhill Guest House, John Hanlon, Oliver Ryan, Brendan Osbourne, Lisa Doolan and Aine Doyle.

National Stud farm manager Colin Barrett was keeping an eye on his son Nathan, a fine young horseman who rides short like a jockey, while helping whipping-in and knows all the hounds by name. Zoe Brownlee, John Doolan, Brendan Nichol and his terrier Lady were following as well as his brother Tom who hunts in the UK. Former chairman and master Shay O’Haire was absent as his son James was eventing in Cork. Joan Brady, who with her husband Ray have pubs in Terenure and Castleknock, was also those following.

Draw

It was a tricky hack to the first draw because the roads are so busy, but road whipper-in Desmond Bell did a sterling job all day, marshalling hunt staff, and a very steady 12½ couple of hounds of which remarkably 4½ couple were new entry. Des had certainly prepared the drag well for the drag layers, Dick Pender and Declan Hughes, as you could smell it in the next parish! One of them remarked that his wife would have no problem finding him that night as it was on his clothes and boots!

They got off to a fast start with the pack in fine voice as the field-master led the followers over some very testing ditches in Huddleston’s farm. Even when they completed the run, hounds picked up the line again as the scent was so strong and were away again.

Another tricky road marshalling routine by Des on the busy Straffan Road took them into the Guinness’ Wood and a fast run through the trails with fallen trees to negotiate. A quick hack down by Lodge Park and the Steam Museum to Straffan Equestrian Centre where Trish Travers gave them a great welcome. The centre is a popular place to ride out or keep a livery as it has such a variety of cross-country jumps, built by her father Harry Travers.

The followers made a wonderful sight as they crossed Saint Patrick’s Hill in the sunshine, passing the late Bill Odlum’s house who was a stalwart with both the Kildare Foxhounds and the Souths. Hounds were quickly away in Rodney Hendy’s stubble fields. Rodney, although he does not hunt himself, is a valued supporter, and with Tony always has a testing line arranged.

It was rumoured that one of the casualties was drag layer Dick Pender but he apparently was so quick back in the plate that few noticed. But that can easily happen when you are making the country for the followers. Dick cleverly had worked out a line that would get them back near the meet over Saint Patrick’s Hill again and through Guinness’ Wood with just a short hack to Barberstown. It was a perfect workout for the first day of the season, as the large group of followers happily repaired to Barberstown Castle for refreshments.