THERE is no better way to catch up with old hunting friends than the relaxing atmosphere of a late afternoon puppy show. Such was the recent Scarteen puppy show held as usual at the kennels with a bumper 12 couple to test the mettle of our two judges and they weren’t found wanting. The judges, no doubt to lower their carbon footprint, were able to travel together as they were both drawn from the Cork National Hunt Club and regular visitors to Scarteen over the years.

Huntsman of the Scarteen, Raymond O’Halloran, with his lovely pack of Black and Tans at their Puppy Show with judge Tommy Wallace \ Catherine Power

Judging were Tommy Wallace and Paul Brown, both of whom would be more than familiar with the Black and Tan Kerry Beagles hunted by the Scarteen. The Cork National – one of Ireland’s oldest packs – is based in Cork city and hunt on foot. The judges complimented huntsman Raymond O’Halloran, whipper-in Frisk Jones and helpers on the quality of the hounds on show.

There were perhaps more puppies than usual as there was a certain carryover with no puppy show held last season with eight couple of dogs and four of bitches.

Chris Ryan MFH, owner of the Scarteen Hounds, with judges Tommy Wallace and Paul Brown from Cork Nationals Hunt Club at the Scarteen Puppy Show \ Catherine Power

The winning dog hound was Morley (by Limerick Harrier Pirate out of Scarteen Humble), walked by the Purcell family. Meanwhile, the winning bitch was Candy (by Rocket out of the Cork National Cassey) and walked appropriately by the Walkers, Sir Roy and Nadaline, who had no less than three and a half couple in the show.

No stranger to public speaking, international eventing commentator and senior master Chris Ryan acted as MC and made sure everyone felt welcome. It was great to see Duhallow joint-master Kate Jarvey returning to Scarteen where she had been master for many seasons. The show was followed by light refreshments with everyone preparing for autumn hunting the following morning in Scarteen.

Chris Ryan MFH, owner of the Scarteen Hounds, with judges Tommy Wallace and Paul Brown from Cork Nationals Hunt Club at the Scarteen Puppy Show \ Catherine Power

Co Limerick Open Day Clonshire

Sticklers for etiquette, the Co Limerick did not have formal judging of their fabulous pack of Old English just the day after Scarteen. Most of the pups had already been in the hunting field so strictly speaking were not eligible to be judged as un-entered puppies. So a couple of weeks previously, huntsman Fergus Stokes had invited two of his colleagues Jim Kenny (Waterford) and Padraig Moynihan (Sth Union) to a less formal show and they had picked the home-bred Tradesman (by Racket ’16 out of Tassel’18), walked by Belinda Johnson, while the best bitch from the same litter was Truffel, walked by Jess Foley.

The Foley family were well represented as incoming joint-master Niall Foley acted as MC and welcomed all. The Foley family are no strangers to hunting with the famed Co Limerick as their father James Foley became something of a legend as amateur whipper-in to Hugh Robards in the glory days.

Silla, Lady Harrington with Dick Johnson MRCVS, former treasurer of Co Limerick Foxhounds, and his wife Margaret enjoying the hunt's Open Day at Clonshire \ Catherine Power

Also on hand was Mrs Emma Thompson MFH with horses already in and getting fit for the upcoming season. Hunt secretary Dee Hogan was of course there to see to the smooth running of the event. Puppy shows afford an opportunity for retired and current foxhunters to meet and exchange latest hunt gossip. Still a stickler for turnout is Silla, Lady Harrington, whose family and particularly her late husband, Lord Harrington, were intrinsic to the running of the hunt. Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday and in rude good health was former hunt treasurer Dick Johnson, enjoying the hounds with his better half, the ever-youthful Margaret.

The show was followed by a barbecue for all but the greatest thrill – especially for Catherine and I – was when huntsman Fergus Stokes and whipper-in David Beecher enlarged the pack with no less than 59 and a half couple in the park – a little bit of heaven.

Huntsman of the Co Limerick Foxhounds, Fergus Stokes, showing his pack of Old English Foxhounds \ Catherine Power