THE news of the tragic death of renowned Duhallow huntsman Ger Withers on December 29th at the kennels shocked the entire Irish hunting community.

Having had the pleasure of hunting with the Duhallow Foxhounds on a few occasions, both mounted and on foot, I can honestly say that I had always found Ger to be a true professional huntsman and an excellent and knowledgeable hound breeder, yet he always found time to chat with a curious visitor such as I.