THE County Limerick Hunt brought their 2025/2026 season to a lively close on February 21st, concluding not only their final day in the hunting field, but also the much-anticipated tallying of their ‘Tumblers Club’. Members spent the evening gingerly reviewing the number of falls they had endured throughout the season, knowing each unplanned dismount would cost them €5. Their collective misfortune proved worthwhile: the club raised €510 for Down Syndrome Ireland, donating the full amount to the charity’s Limerick branch.

To mark the end of the season, members gathered in Houlihan’s Bar in Kilmallock, on the eve of the closing meet, where presentations were made to the riders who had racked up the most tumbles.

Huntsman Fergus Stokes led the leaderboard with nine falls, securing first place. Close behind were Conor Fitzgerald of Patrickswell and William Collins of Ballybrown, who shared joint second place with eight falls each. There was no shortage of memorable mishaps either. Patrick Mullane, from Kilmeedy, earned good-natured applause, and a pair of armbands, after an unexpected plunge during a day’s hunting in Ballingarry.

Hunting stalwart Helen Hartigan was saluted for her perseverance after managing to fall twice at the same bank, while husband Ollie took third place on the leaderboard with a total of six falls throughout the season. The Buckley family, well known for their strong presence in the hunting field, made their mark once again. Emma Buckley took four falls over the season, earning her the title of the woman with the most tumbles in Limerick this year. The winner received a commemorative cup, which will now be awarded annually to the rider who records the most falls each season.

Despite the bumps and bruises, spirits remained high as members celebrated another successful season, and the opportunity to support a worthy cause in the process.