THE fog was mighty as we made the short journey from home to the cross of Knockainey for a meet of the Co Limerick Foxhounds. Lesser souls would have put it back to 12 noon or perhaps abandoned altogether, but huntsman Fergus Stokes was determined to go ahead. Was there a hint of sunshine on the horizon as we arrived? Well Fergus certainly thought so and, as in most things connected with hunting, he was proven right.

On the dot of 11am, as if by magic, the fog lifted showing the glorious Limerick countryside at its best. Debutante hunt chairman Liz Barry of Manister House Stud, who is taking her new role seriously, was there and rarely misses a day but sadly, nowadays only on foot. Those who felt they had quite a while to un-box suddenly had to get at it and be on their horses in quick order.