ONE of the longest serving Irish huntsmen of this millennium, Pat Coyle has stepped down this past week after some 40 years overseeing the Ward Union Staghounds.

Over 60 mounted followers attended the special meet at The Snailbox outside Ashbourne on Wednesday, with invitations sent out to fellow huntsmen from all over Ireland. Among those in attendance were brothers John and Kenny Henry from the Meath Foxhounds and Jamie Byrnes from the Duhallow Foxhounds.

For over four decades Pat has shown immense loyalty to hunt members by providing incredible sport across north Dublin and Meath. As changes were made within the law of stag hunting, thanks to Pat the integrity of the sport has always been maintained.

A native of Two-Mile-House in Co Kildare, Pat’s first introduction to the pack came in the late-1970s when it was hunted by his uncle Eamonn Dunphy. As a teenager Pat spent many hours in the kennels and built up a relationship with hounds. At that time they hunted a pack of Dumfriesshire Black and Tan Foxhounds.

What began as a temporary role for the 1981/82 season continued until 1983 when Pat was officially appointed as huntsman to the pack which was founded in 1854.

“The country was so different back then and as time went on Pat had to take on new challenges as infrastructure changed the landscape,” commented hunt chairman Ronan Griffin. “However, he never failed to adapt and this was one of the many keys to his success. This is in addition to his superb relationship with landowners which has enabled us to have a thriving hunt today.”

Over time Pat began to introduce new modern bloodlines to the pack. This then progressed to Old English lines. These hounds are incredibly fast and capable of covering up to 15 miles in any given day.

Such is his knowledge of hounds, Pat is regularly invited to judge at hound shows both here and in the UK.

Along with keeping hounds in order, Pat has also managed the deer herd adjacent to the kennels. “When it comes to deer management Pat’s work has been recognised by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Department of Heritage. His knowledge of the Irish Red Deer is remarkable,” added Ronan Griffin.

Pat Coyle is equally credited with building up the knackery business which provides a vital service to local farmers.

Although he has retired from hunting hounds, Pat remains involved.

“Although I’m stepping down from hunting hounds I will stay on to help them in the kennels,” he said. “I must thank everyone who has helped me over the years – the masters, chairmen, hunt staff, friends and all my family. My son Joe continues the hunting tradition as whipper-in with the Duhallow Foxhounds.”