THE Wicklow Foxhounds met at Eilis and Jack Kavanagh’s Golden Anchor Bar in Castletown, Co Wexford, which is the hub of the community, hosting everything from community meetings and music to discos and quizzes. They are the main sponsors of the local football, hurling and camogie teams at Castletown GAA club. I met an old acquaintance of mine, sheep farmer and hunt committee member Mervyn Sunderland, whom I first met over 20 seasons ago, who was sporting a new hat - either rust or burnt orange in colour - that Connemara pony producer Martin Nee had gifted to him at Maam Cross Mart!

As a farmer’s pack, they are a no-nonsense club and very professional. There were two dynamics going on all day. One, the serious business of hunting and the other that the road followers have put their stamp on, great friendships, watching out for the hounds, and parents staying out and making sure that their children are enjoying themselves.