FOR the first time ever, a ‘vixen’ (Caragh Monaghan) appeared at the Meath Pony Club mock hunt in Ardmulchan on the Sunday before Christmas and she was chased by three ‘bitch’ hounds (Lauren Donnelly, Aoibhe Monaghan and Ella Kilfeather).

The hunt, run in conjunction with the Meath Foxhounds, serves two purposes as it’s used as a fund-raiser for the Branch and as a spectacle to attract new members. For children aged 11 and under, it was attended by roughly 60 mounted followers with another 40 on foot who also received a present from Santa Claus.

The hunt was over by the time the ‘vixen’ was chased down the Tommy Brennan-designed steps into the water and Caragh enjoyed the experience so much she repeated her swallow dive while the ‘hounds’ shook themselves dry.

With all followers, mounted and on foot, gathered around the fence, joint-Master Norman Williamson rode his hunter down the steps and stylishly jumped into the water before making his way to dry land. Not so huntsman Kenny Henry whose mount buckled on landing sending his unfortunate rider over his head and into the brink.

Thankfully there was no harm done and once back on his feet, Kenny bowed to the crowd, acknowledging both those on the landing side and high up before the steps with a further bow and sweep of his hat which could rival any pantomime performance this season.

To much laughter, the action was captured by many mobile phones and cameras and one such video can be found on Youtube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwYB-PvTWWY)

Assistant district commissioner Claire Oakes, who assisted Santa Claus in buying and wrapping the presents, can be seen in the video with her all-important clipboard. She was also chief organiser of Tuesday’s presentation and entertainment night in Walterstown GAA club which was attended by over 100 present and past members of the Meath Pony Club.