BALLYDINE is barely a blip on the map of Tipperary, but once or twice a year it takes on a certain mantle that makes it certainly the most important village in Tipperary, if not in Munster. Such an occasion was last Thursday when the “Gallant Tipps” made it their venue for what was to prove a red letter and outstanding day.

Lacey’s pub is the epicentre and there is very little else in Ballydine. Early arrivals always suggest someone who is intent on getting the most out of the day and it turned out to be Katie Rudd, a keener or more dedicated foxhunter it would be hard to find. Wife of Tom Rudd of Tatts who was away that day on inspection duty, Katie confided that it was her third day hunting that week and it was only Thursday! She was on what she described as the “pykie pony” on long term loan from Mick Murphy, the well-known pinhooker. This coloured batty who can be identified by his walleye can really do the business.