THE weather gods smiled on the Tipperary Foxhounds for their puppy show last Saturday, held at The Kennels in Tullamaine.

The fact that it clashed with the Ireland v England rugby international didn’t deter a large and appreciative audience, which came to see nine-and-a-half couple of young entry on show.

The judges were William Bell MFH and huntsman Sam Jones, both of the famed Cottesmore Foxhounds in Leicestershire. Huntsman Gavin Shorten, with whipper-in James O’Donnell and assisted by Michael O’Keefe, had hounds in tip-top condition.

With 41 couple of modern-bred hounds in kennels, this two-day pack are looked on as among the best in these islands.

Winning dog hound was Stradbally’s Machine by Banker ’16, out of Modest ’19, while his litter sister, Matchbox, was judged the leading bitch.

As well as announcing the winners, a warm welcome was extended to all by hunt chairman Sean Brett. Among those attending were Billy Healy MFH (north Kilkenny), John Horan Co Clare Hunt, and Nick Seale, former field master of the Heythrop but now permanently hunting in Tipperary, while the host hunt were represented by the Hon Secretary Roseanne De Vere-Hunt, field master Aidan Fogarty and hunt treasurer James Reilly.

Catering was taken care of by the ever-efficient Jane Farrell, but sadly John was not able to make it, as he is recuperating after surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Visitors and locals alike were given a proper Tipperary welcome in the hunt marquee after judging, with no scarcity of food and drinks for all. Festivities went on well into the evening.