THE Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association’s (IMFA) annual National Hound Show takes place on Sunday, July 5th, at Stradbally Hall, courtesy of the Cosby family.

This is the 25th year that the National Hound Show will welcome over 150 foxhounds from 16 registered packs representing each corner of the island of Ireland. In addition, the National Hound Show includes two further separate showing rings for packs registered with the Irish Masters of Beagles’ Association and the Irish Masters of Harriers’ Association.

Prior to establishing the National Hound Show at Stradbally Hall in 2001, it had been held at Powerstown Park, Clonmel, Clonshire in Limerick and the RDS during Horse Show Week. Stradbally Hall, built in 1772 and later renovated in a grand Italianate style, is an impressively fitting setting for the National Hound Show.

The judges for the foxhounds represent enthusiasts with a wealth of knowledge of hunting, hound and hound breeding. They are, for the doghounds, Will Bryer MFH (Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt) and Julian Barnfield (Chief Executive BHSA and former MFH, North Shropshire) and for the bitches, Oliver Dale MFH (Heythrop Hunt) and Henry Bailey MFH (Wynnstay Hunt). Judging in the Main ring will commence at 10.15 am.

Speaking to The Irish Field, Show Chairman David Lalor MFH said: “The National Hound Show provides a unique opportunity for hunting people and everyone involved in country pursuits to come together to see and enjoy the colour, pageantry and competition in the three show rings. Here they will see the best of foxhounds, beagles and harriers and they can also enjoy and support the trade stands.

“I would strongly encourage all hunting people to try to attend the National Hound Show, particularly during the times that are in it. In the UK, trail hunting is in danger of being banned; in Northern Ireland, we are facing another challenge to ban hunting from John Blair MLA, and here in the Republic we have had the failed Ruth Coppinger bill. This is a time to show solidarity and unity in the face of these threats.”