COME September there will be a new foot beagle pack in Co. Westmeath. Huntsman Richard Bonham is in the process of establishing the Lakeland Foot beagles at his home just outside Castlepollard.

Bonham previous whipped-in and was huntsman for the Balgarrett Foot Beagles who disbanded last year. In recent years both the Westmeath Foot Beagles and Curragh Foot Beagles also disbanded, leaving local supporters short of a pack to follow.

However, a hunt club remained in place after the Balgarretts disbanded. This proved to be vital in keeping the country open and organising meets for visiting packs.

Support in the area remains strong and followers are looking forward to have a pack of their own again.

Since completing his law degree, Bonham is now in a position to hunt the beagles himself. There are plans to build a new kennels and have up to 15 couple in the pack.

Currently there are eight couples who have mainly come from the Maryboro Farmers and the Woodrock and Blackwater Valley.

Bonham is ability assisted by a committee and by joint-masters Liz Rosario, Simon Steel and Ion Hamilton.