AN opening meet of the Scarteen Black and Tans is always a special occasion. With the best of country available and plenty of it and an opportunity to hunt through Scarteen itself, it represents an opportunity to see hunting at its best.

Hounds and hunt staff were blessed in kennels by the local PP and a short hack ensued to the nearby village of Knocklong. This gave an opportunity for hounds to settle and indeed nerves for the small group who had un-boxed at the kennels.