NEW masters and new huntsmen are set to take up the reins of several packs across the country following the annual spate of hunt annual general meetings for the almost 100 mounted foxhound and harrier packs.

Perhaps the highest profile change for the coming season is the appointment of Gavin Shorten as huntsman of the Tipperary Foxhounds. Still in his early 20s, Shorten takes on the demanding role of hunting a four-day pack whose country encompasses most of south Tipperary.