ON Saturday, February 7th, 166 elegant guests gathered at Killeen Castle for The Tara Harriers’ Celebratory Hunt Ball and were welcomed by Masters Eugene O’Reilly, Bryan Maher, Larry Cunningham, John Moran, Lorraine McDowell and Henry Smith. A Silks Gin drinks reception was enjoyed whilst pianist Alex Sheridan played the grand piano.

After a thoughtful welcome address by Chairman and Master Eugene O’Reilly; MC for the evening and racing personality David Jennings, kept proceedings upbeat with giveaways to delighted guests from Tipperary Crystal and one lucky guest walked away with a beautiful Stirrup necklace, sponsored by George Bryan Jewellers. A delicious four-course menu followed, as prepared by Killeen Castle’s Head Chef, Declan Cronin. Throughout the evening, action shots of the season so far rolled on screens, as captured by Alicia Carberry of ARC Photography, who was also on hand to capture the event.

Over dinner, a lively Tumbler Awards segment kept the crowd entertained, with Master Bryan Maher serenading the crowd upon receiving the “Colgate Award” for the brightest smile jumping a fence; Best Home-Brewer, Best Seat and Bumpiest Ride were amongst the categories.

Thrilling auction

A thrilling auction was run by auctioneer Barry O’Brien-Lynch and featured Gordon Elliott and Gavin Cromwell stable tours, hospitality at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival, golf stays at Killeen Castle, pleasure flight over Meath donated by Sepcon, stays at Belinter House Hotel and Golf at Royal Tara Golf Club, a show jumping lesson with international show jumping legend Comdt. John Ledingham, admission to the Dublin Horse Show, plus accommodation sponsored by City Break Apartments. However, it was a magnificent painting of Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle by artist David Paton and titled First Ladies, which proved the top lot, selling for €7,000.

A very generously-sponsored raffle on the evening featured generous prizes from The Irish Field, Phoenix Delite Chocolates, Tipperary Crystal, John McAteer Farriery, Duignan Hams, Drumonds Feeds, Berney Bros, Tailored Equestrian, TRI, Equine Warehouse, Robinsons Haylage, Ebony Rose Interiors, Silks Gin, The Garden House, Sports Den, Carol Sheridan Interiors, Gerry Rutledge Farrier, McCauleys Feeds, Black Bush Golf Club and Royal Tara Golf Club, in addition to a number of days’ hunting, kindly donated by other hunts.

Each guest received a complimentary Irish Field newspaper, Toggi socks and hairnets gifted by Showtime Equestrian, as well as Rose & Co coffee vouchers, pens and calendars in their goodie bags. Dancing followed into the small hours with the band Trigger and The Hitman and DJ Tommy McBride, who ensured the dance floor was kept full all night.