HAVING missed hunting with the North Kilkennys last season, the green at Freshford made a pleasant sight last Sunday as the hunt gathered for their opening meet. The weather gods were not smiling and with a similar forecast, it somewhat reduced their field but for all that, well over 40 were mounted as huntsman Noel Rafter gave a touch on the horn as hounds moved off to their first draw.

It made a colourful sight with three of the four masters beautifully mounted and looking resplendent in their pink coats as also was huntsman Noel Rafter. It is very much a hunt rooted in their own community with all local masters, two from families linked to the foundation of the hunt. Liam Murphy, who farms and runs an engineering business, is the son of the founding master Jack Murphy, and was accompanied by his wife Breda on a nice bay cob.