SADNESS, shock and disbelief gripped hunt followers, family and friends across the hunting world at the recent sad news that Vincent Shields had passed away suddenly at the young age of 65 while getting ready to go hunting.

He occupied a unique place in the world of hunting as he was a current master of the Galway Blazers, and also had occupied that position in the East Galway Foxhounds, the Roscommon Harriers, and the South Mayo Harriers.