Aoife strides out

WELL done to young Aoife O’Riordan, daughter of field-master Donie O’Riordan of the Muskerry Foxhounds, who made her hunting debut at the historic pack’s opening meeting in Firmount. Aoife loved her day out and acquitted herself with flying colours. No doubt, it’s the first of many in the field for the young rider.

Girl power

OUT in force for the Muskerry Foxhounds opening meet were lady riders Fiona Coughlan, Fran O’Callaghan, Chantelle Kiely and Sinead Hendrick.

Get well Charlie

WE send our very best wishes to that great supporter of hunting, Charlie Ripman, who unfortunately broke his arm. Charlie, who also compiles the Irish-bred eventing list for Horse Sport Ireland, published in this newspaper weekly, is putting a brave face on the mishap and true to form, says he’ll be back compiling results in just a week’s time. We won’t hold you to that Charlie but our hats are off to you!

Billy a real flyer!

TAKE a look at young Shannon Murphy in action over a drain on her grey mount Billy, the two crossed country with gusto at the meet of the Fermanagh Harriers where Shannon’s father Patrick is joint field-master.

Tributes over tragedy

TRIBUTES poured in across the UK hunting scene after the joint-master of the Cottesmore, Gems McCormick, died tragically in a fall at an opening meet on November 4th.

Ms McCormick was out with the Fitzwilliam (Milton) hunt last Wednesday when the accident happened.

She reportedly fell after a fence and suffered a head injury.

A spokesman for the Cottesmore said: “Gems was a wonderful joint-master and a generous supporter of the Cottesmore hunt. We were lucky to have her as a master from 2012.

“Always immaculately turned out quietly and efficiently fulfilling her role. She was a pleasure to go hunting with.”