HAVING met many of the of the Mullinavat Harrier members on our trip to the Kilmoganny meet at Glenmore, we made a firm resolve to visit the Co Kilkenny pack before the season’s end. And so last Sunday saw us venture to Ballyhale. Even with my limited knowledge of GAA, the name of Ballyhale rang several bells. In a county where hurling and GAA are a religion, Ballyhale Shamrocks are the Vatican of hurling, having won more national silverware than any other club in Ireland. Not only that, it is the home club of Henry Sheflin, regarded by many as the greatest exponent of the national game since Christy Ring. The Sheflin’s farm is almost in the village. Their cousin Michael from nearby Mullinavat is a keen hunting man and runs Annshoon Stud where he stands the successful Sadler’s Wells horse Masterofthehorse.

Following the GAA connection, it was to the Shamrocks car park to which we were directed to find a fine assembly of horses, riders and hounds ready to move off as the Angelus bell struck noon.