THE Stonehall Harriers brought their season to a close with a junior meet last Sunday, to mark the end of the hunting season, but it was one with a slight twist.

Huntsman Liam Murphy is always keen to encourage the enthusiasm and passion of the younger members on the hunting field and so he generously allowed the young members to hunt the hounds for the last meet.

The children’s meet left David Moran’s farm in Askeaton at 12pm. Young hunting enthusiast Ciaran Bourke and his trusty cob Billiebob were passed the responsibility of the hunting horn for the day.

His friends Tadhg Hanly and Jack Brennan, both whipped-in to Ciaran on the day. Huntsman Liam Murphy took a break from the saddle to leave his pack of hounds with the capable apprentices. Both Ciaran and Tadhg helped the huntsman with his duties and exercising the hounds during the summer and since the beginning of the hunting season, neither young rider missed a day on the card!

The three youngsters were delighted to be gifted this opportunity from huntsman Liam as it is his last season with the hunt and they are the future of the sport of hunting in Ireland.