NEW masters and new huntsmen are set to take up the reins of several packs across the country following the annual spate of hunt annual general meetings for the almost 100 mounted foxhound and harrier packs.

Perhaps the highest profile change for the coming season is the appointment of Gavin Shorten as huntsman of the Tipperary Foxhounds. Still in his early 20s, Shorten takes on the demanding role of hunting a four-day pack whose country encompasses most of south Tipperary.

Hailing from a strong hunting family in west Limerick, his father was master of the Stonehall Harriers and Shorten has been whipper-in to Derry Donegan for three seasons before he retired from the ‘Tipps’ and hunt service at the end of last season.

Nathan O’Connor from Duhallow takes over as his first whipper-in and Padhraic Moynihan from Co Kerry has also joined the Tipperary kennels as whipper-in. With the existing joint-masters – Tim Hyde, Marion Goodbody, Paul Ronan and Liam Kearney – remaining in office, the future looks bright in Tipperary.

The Askeaton area must be a nursery for top class huntsmen as it has produced Sonny O’Donnell, huntsman of the United in Cork, his cousin Jason, first whipper-in to the Grafton in Britain, Graham Bustin, Tony Gammell and Noel Ryan, all near neighbors from Askeaton who are huntsmen of some of the leading American packs.

Meanwhile, the South Tipperary Harriers are having a change with Michael Doyle taking over from John Marsh as huntsman, while Richard Morrissey remains as first whipper-in.

Amateur huntsman of the neighbouring Galtee Harriers, Jeremy Kelleher, who paraded hounds recently in Punchestown continues for next season.

James Phelan from Carrick-on-Suir has joined John Walsh and Patricia Brennan as master of the Kilmoganny. Well known in hunting circles, Phelan was PRO for the Irish Master of Foxhounds Association and is a nephew of well-known Tipperary veterinary surgeon and stallion master Tom Meagher.

Moving west, the South Mayo Harriers see Danielle Gingell joining the mastership for the coming season.

The County Limerick Foxhounds are welcoming two new joint-masters, cousins Lady Anna Johnston from Adare and Emma Thompson, who now lives in London but comes from Croom. Her mother Lady Melissa Brooke was formerly a joint-master for many years. The ladies join John Halley in the mastership and should make a strong team.

Nearby in Scarteen, Mark Ollard is in his second season as huntsman with Chris Ryan. Equestrian artist Daniel Crane has also joined the mastership and art fans can look forward to seeing some Irish hunting scenes joining his extensive catalogue of work.

Meanwhile in the southeast, John Murphy joins the Dungarvan Foxhounds mastership, replacing Henry Beresford who has stepped down.

Ulster has seen many changes for the coming season, with Alexander Mills the well-known machinery dealer joining the Iveagh mastership and race horse trainer Andy Oliver similarly joining the South Tyrone.

Mid Antrim has appointed Tom Haddock as huntsman, with Patrick Headen, Tony Winters and Mark Casserly taking up office with the Mid Antrim, The Killultagh and the Iveagh respectively. His many friends were delighted to see Down master Robert Steel, who suffered a very serious fall during the season, back on his feet last week at Balmoral .

Hunting lost two of its longest serving and most iconic masters last season, Captain Tom Morgan of the West Waterford and George Briscoe of the Tara Harriers. Briscoe had served over 70 seasons in office, making him the longest serving master in the hunting world. Also lost during the season was master of the Tynan and Armagh, Steven Watson and West Waterford joint-master John Connery, both of whom who will be sorely missed.

Earlier this week, hunting enthusiasts gathered in Dromore, Co Down, to pay their final respects to David Shillington, member and former chairman of Downpatrick racecourse committee and, for over 30 seasons, chairman of the Iveagh Hunt.