THE Kildare Hunt Club (KHC) hosted their annual hunt ball on Saturday last, at the longest standing family-run hotel in Co Kildare, The Keadeen Hotel.

The hunt ball committee, comprised of Michelle Cullinan, Jennifer Donovan, Ashley O’Sullivan and Verity O’Mahony, along with the fantastic hotel staff, did an outstanding job in preparing the venue and organising the night’s entertainment. There were over 200 guests in attendance, many of which can be seen regularly following the Kildare Foxhounds. However, it was nice to see other hunts and equestrian groups showing their support on the night also.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Kildare Hunt members’ awards, now in their second year, were a great way of creating a build-up to the event and were very well supported. There were three categories that hunt members could vote for: ‘Hunter of the year’, ‘Best turned out’ and ‘Soggy Bottom’ (aka best fall of the season). The award winners were Paul Doyle’s William, Helen Keatley, and Maria Keatley respectively.

Hunt balls mark the end of the hunting season and are also a way of paying tribute to the hunt staff for another great year of sport. A special mention was given to the Huntsman, Peter Cahill who has done a great job in his first season as Hunsman and also to outgoing Whipper-in Kieth Banks-Broderick for his service to the hunt and its members over the last two years. Broderick was presented with a token of appreciation for all his hard work and dedication. The party went on into the small hours of Sunday morning and will, no doubt, be a night to remember.