GRACE Maxwell Murphy has become the first ever winner of the Marjory Kennedy hunting trophy, awarded by the Side Saddle Association of Ireland (SSAI).

The trophy was donated to the SSAI by the Kennedy family of Co Limerick in honour of their late mother Marjory, who hunted side saddle her entire life alongside her husband George, who was master of the Stonehall Harriers from 1956 until 1990.

The trophy was originally won outright by George and his show jumper Sprig at Newcastle Show in 1956, the year he and Marjory were married.

Now, 60 years later, it has been recommissioned as the Marjory Kennedy hunting trophy, to be awarded to the SSAI member who records the highest number of days hunting side saddle in a single season.

The Kennedy family presented the trophy to Grace Maxwell Murphy at the recent Tipperary Foxhounds Hunt Ball after their very successful side saddle meet hosted by the Ronan family.

Galway Blazers master David McCarthy describes Maxwell Murphy as “the best side saddle rider I have ever seen. I’m hunting 40 years and I’ve never seen the likes of the walls she jumped this season, she’s a class act,” he added.

Ciara O’Connell, assistant secretary of the SSAI, said the 2015/2016 season set a new rcord for the number of ladies hunting side saddle all over Ireland.

“Now they have something to aim towards each season, with this beautiful trophy up for grabs for the lady who clocks up the most amount of days hunting side saddle over the season,” she told The Irish Field.