THERE is always a red letter day in our calendar in July for the Co Limerick Hunt puppy show held at their Clonshire kennels. As usual it attracted a large group of hunt followers and hound enthusiasts from Limerick and from further afield who came to see the traditional Old English foxhound at its very best and they were not to be disappointed. There to welcome guests were Joint Master Emma Thompson and hunt secretary Deirdre Hogan, joined on the day by Joint Master Tom Schreck from the US and incoming MFH Sean Kelly and treasurer Mathew Lloyd of Kilballyowen. Missing on the day was Niall Foley from Midleton.

With 14 couple of top class young entry to be adjudicated, judges Meghan Healy (MFH of the Quorn), and Joe Tesseyman (huntsman of the Quorn) had their work cut out for them. Huntsman Fergus Stokes, whipper-in young Peter Kiely - assisted by the ever enthusiastic Conor Fitzgerald - had the young entry - all homebred - looking a picture. Best dog was Legend (by Limerick Tradesman ‘21 out of Limerick Laughter ’20) and walked by the Dore family. Meanwhile in the bitch classes Tracey (by Limerick Bandit ’20 out of Trickle ’21) and walked by the Hewsons, won out.

Peter Kiely’s home hunt, the Duhallow, were well represented with huntsman David Beecher, Maurice Coleman, former amateur whipper-in Arthur Comyn and Peter’s dad Roger Kiely, who is now the very competent and hard riding field master of the Duhallow.

Former Duhallow honorary secretary Dr Fiona O’Meara is now very much part of the Limerick camp and takes an active part in organising the puppy show.

Enlarged pack

Perhaps the high point of the day is when the pack is enlarged in the show ring and all 45 couple looked a picture.

No day in Clonshire would be complete without hunt chairman Belinda Johnson, who walked two couple, and Lady Harrington, whose family have been steeped in all things connected with the hunt. Former Limerick Harrier huntsman Michael Buckley and his wife Mary were both on hand to cast a knowing eye on the young entry. From the Blazers came Mark Ollard, and huntsman and former master of both Limerick and Blazers Michael McDonogh. From Kilkenny there was Johnny Dicker.

After judging and before prize giving took place, the judges Meghan Healy from Monaghan, who started her hunting career with Johnny Vance and the Fermanagh Harriers before crossing the Irish Sea and finding high office with the Quorn in Leicestershire, spoke warmly of the Co Limerick. Her co-judge was Joe Tesseyman.

They spoke warmly of the quality of young entry and recalled that Fergus had judged at their recent puppy show. Quorn are now (very wisely) transitioning from modern to Old English and have several couple of Limerick hounds in their kennels. Before coming to the Quorn, Joe previously hunted the Brockelsby in Lincolnshire.

Everyone was made feel very welcome at Clonshire House, now the home of Emma Thompson and her husband Charles, who made sure everyone was well looked after.