RAHEALTY could hardly be described as a village, rather it is a hamlet on the road between Thurles and the prosperous mining village of Moyne. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame is that it is the home of a former Ireland’s Fittest Family, the Cummins family who farm and run a garage just opposite Rahealty school.

As we approached, boxes were already on hand and prominent among them of course were the Golden Vale Foxhounds, all 12 and a half couple with their huntsman Dan Moloney now in his second season. Since we were with Dan last season, he seems to have really grown into his role and approaches each hunting day with such enthusiasm he could hardly go wrong. From Roscrea, he formerly hunted a private foot pack before seeing practice with Johnny Dean and the Radnor Hunt in Maryland.