WISHING all the best to Padhraic Moynihan, who ends his tenure as huntsman with the Kildare Foxhounds. The Kerry native provided great sport for the past four seasons, but is heading on a new adventure to take up the exciting role as huntsman of the Blue Ridge Hunt in Virginia, USA. He replaces their outgoing huntsman, Graham Buston, who hunted the pack for 11 seasons. Graham is also a former huntsman of the Co Limerick Foxhounds and is now returning to Ireland.

Padhraic will be joined in the States by his girlfriend, Nikita Kane, who has been a valuable member of the hunt as second whipper-in. His brother Gearóid, who served as first whipper-in, is also moving away.

The hunt met at Rathsallagh House for their closing meet, and they had a great day’s sport before returning to the hotel for the hunt ball that night, where over 170 revellers danced to the fabulous band, Entourage.

A new initiative saw the Kildare Hunt Awards, which proved hugely popular. Some of the awards included ‘Best Hipflask’, ‘Most Falls’ and ‘Most Dramatic Fall’.

During the evening, Padhraic received a stunning portrait of his favourite hunt horse ‘Norman’ from artist Victoria Vaux. Victoria is daughter of the late Nick MacDermott, a stalwart of the hunt for many years. Victoria’s sister is the esteemed sculptor, Emma MacDermott.