THE recent passing of Philip Hore, 27, sent the south east, Wexford and the greater hunting community into shock.

Only six weeks previously, Phil had hunted for the fourth time that week. A proud dairy farmer, he had courageously fought cancer for 12 months. Twelve months of both heartache and inspiration for those lucky enough to know him. His positivity was infectious. After the disappointment of having yet another appointment cancelled due to the lack of relevant resources, he set his mind to organising a charity hunt in aid of the Oncology Unit in St Vincent’s Hospital.

Only a short few weeks later he presented his nurses with a cheque worth a staggering €50,000 in the hope that others wouldn’t endure the frustration he did.

While I could write endlessly about him being one of the most humane, considerate and amiable people I could ever hope to meet, knowing Phil, he would prefer I skip the clichés and write about his passion in life, hunting.

As secretary and field master of the Killinick Harriers, he was an example to every member, always being the first to help out. If things were quiet, he was content to just be out, but if the opportunity arose there was no better man to kick on.

His biggest attribute was his knowledge of and respect for the landowners, something which allowed him to be a great field master. His only downfall was maybe being a little ‘too nice’, if that even counts as a fault.

He was the envy of every member and visitor to this challenging country, as he possessed two of the finest hunting horses in Calvin and Billy. They were his pride and joy and one had only to try and follow them across country to see why.

Yet he would often ring some of his friends on the morning of a meet looking for a lend of a ‘green one’ as he would have given his own two away. Another prime example of his character.

The Killinick Harriers formed a touching guard of honour at his funeral and one could almost sense a grin on Phil’s face as, not for the first time, leading the way were his faithful Calvin and Billy.

Our circle of friends, our hunt, and our community is far worse off without you. M. M.