MEMBERS and subscribers of the Ward Union Hunt had an extra reason to attend the pack’s St Stephen’s Day meet at Ashbourne on Monday having been invited by text to celebrate a significant birthday by joint-Master Stephen O’Connor.

The text read: “Hi all, on St Stephen’s Day 1966 I was born. My father headed for the Hunt in Ashbourne (his excuse is men were not allowed in the delivery room in those days – different times). I had my first Stephen’s Day Hunt in 1976 out of the Kennels. Now on Saint Stephen’s Day 2016 and in celebration of reaching 50, I invite you to join me for a couple of drinks immediately after the Hunt, wherever we finish up!! Stephen.”