ENTRIES and spectator numbers at the National Hound Show at Stradbally Hall continue to grow every year. This year good weather resulted in a three-deep crowd of hound enthusiasts at the ringside and a large number lingered to socialise long after the show, while Emer Mulhall of Stradbally Fayre Restaurant served lunch to a packed marquee.

The show was organised by Laois Foxhounds master David Lalor and his team, with the foxhound ring managed by Roddy Bailey and Rupert Macauley. The harrier ring was overseen by David Burke, master of Grallagh Harriers and chairman of the Hunting Association of Ireland, assisted by Imelda O’Donnell, master of the Tara Harriers, and Janet Reilly of the Louth Foxhounds.