IN the last year, the Tara Harriers lost their senior and much respected master George Briscoe who, for over 70 seasons, hosted the opening meet. However in true Briscoe style, his wife Gene kept up the tradition and George’s presence was strongly felt as he seemed to be there in spirit as the sun shone and many of their old friends turned up to share this great tradition.

The two new masters, Oinri Jackson and Neville Jessop, were welcomed by the senior master and huntsman Henry Smith. Jackson was on a smashing grey hunter by the Irish Draught stallion Moylough Bouncer. They own the spectacular Brittas estate in Nobber, at one time owned by the Bligh family. As a military family, the Blighs had the plantations planted in the 17th century battle formations of opposing British and French armies such as the Battles of Fontenoy and Cherbourg. The family have connections with Captain Bligh, famed in the Mutiny of the Bounty, and even the actor Tom Cruise has traced his connections with the family.