MEMBERS and subscribers of the Ward Union Hunt had an extra reason to attend the pack’s St Stephen’s Day meet at Ashbourne on Monday having been invited by text to celebrate a significant birthday by joint-Master Stephen O’Connor.

The text read: “Hi all, on St Stephen’s Day 1966 I was born. My father headed for the Hunt in Ashbourne (his excuse is men were not allowed in the delivery room in those days – different times). I had my first Stephen’s Day Hunt in 1976 out of the Kennels. Now on Saint Stephen’s Day 2016 and in celebration of reaching 50, I invite you to join me for a couple of drinks immediately after the Hunt, wherever we finish up!! Stephen.”

In contrast to 1966, O’Connor’s father Philip wasn’t at the meet on Monday but, as usual, a huge crowd was present. The local Wren Boys added a festive atmosphere with music and singing while collecting for the Navan Alzheimer Day Centre. There were 73 mounted followers.

Stephen, known throughout the wider equestrian community as sponsor of the Jumping In The City Grand Prix through the Underwriting Exchange, was in Leopardstown on Tuesday as he and business partner Adrian Butler had a runner in the Paddy Power Chase.

Their Gordon Elliott-trained Bless The Wings failed to get on terms, finishing 11th, but the lucrative three-mile handicap was won by Noble Endeavor who is trained by Elliott for fellow Ward Union member Chris Jones. By Wednesday Gordon had saddled five winners over the Christmas period, two of whom were partnered by another staunch Staghounds follower, Keith Donoghue.

The younger generations of the O’Connor and Jones families are due to take part in the Ward Union children’s meet at the Coolquay Lodge on Monday next, January 2nd.