THE hunting season is just around the corner, but before that it was lovely to see The Irish Field’s hunting correspondent and photographer, Dickie and Catherine Power, out for a morning of autumn hunting last Saturday with the Co Limerick Foxhounds.

There was a warm welcome for all at Olivia Hoare’s very welcoming farm by Lough Gur. Olivia is a former joint master (‘99-2002), a role she filled with her late husband Michael Hoare (‘97-‘01), who sadly died in office.

There were two joint masters out - senior master Emma Thompson, who is following a family tradition as her late mother, Lady Melissa Brooke was also MFH (1977-’97), and she has been joined in the mastership this season by Sean Kelly, who was out but not riding.

He was represented in the field by his daughter Seánna, who is a student in University of Limerick

Huntsman Fergus Stokes had an impressive 19 and a half couple out, who were, as always, looking a picture only enhanced by the world-class scenery and the shimmering lake.

Missing on the morning was young whipper-in Peter Kiely, who was nursing an injured hand. His role was filled on the day by amateur Conor Fitzgerald, farrier Timmy O’Connell and Damien Stokes, who is Fergus’ brother.

Back in action

Others out included hunt secretary Dee Hogan and hunt treasurer Mathew Lloyd on his new horse who seems to fill the bill. Emma Buckley was out with her son Ben, as was young Jack McNamara from Croom.

It was great to see Eleanor Harty back in the saddle on her good coloured. Eleanor has just recovered from an extensive sojourn in the local Regional Hospital, but is happily restored to full health. Local farmers, land owners and keen hunting men Sheamus Murane and Ollie Hartigan were both out and looking forward to the season ahead.

Hounds found just at the back of Olivia’s and some marvellous woodland hunting ensued, with the Limerick Orchestra in full voice. However, scent was never better than fair and hounds struggled to hold the line.

The last draw of the day was on Ollie Hartigan’s hill, where hounds found and a nice hunt resulted.

To complete a great morning, those still out were invited to a hearty hunting breakfast at Hartigan’s.