The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Hounds, horses and hunters worked in harmony on Sunday as the East Clare Farmers Hunt got underway in Clonlara
East Clare Farmers Hunt gathered on a brisk, fresh January morning last Sunday at Doonass, Clonlara.
As the saddling bell sounded, huntmaster Paddy Kennedy was assisted by whips Louis Kennedy and Tony Kelly ahead of a field of 60 riders.
East Clare Farmers Hunt was set up in 1993 and has 40 full-time members and ongoing visitors from Limerick, Oranmore and Tipperary which adds up to 60 riders on some weekends.
The hunt proceeded for the first draw to Mike Hannon’s Crossing, some good country and natural obstacles, with some long-term hunt members Colm Hickey, Tom Hannon and Liam Cooke showing great form.
Paddy Kennedy proceeded to bring hounds to the next line into George Crowe’s where the field took a breather.
The hunt was invited onto the second line by great support of local farmers, Willie Madden, Gearóid Mason and Eugene Burke.
The hounds then worked through a line from Brendan Bourke’s into scenic countryside. The hunt headed down to Sean Meskil’s for the final run towards a group of followers who were gathered in anticipation at an imposing stone wall, which tested both horse and rider to the limit. This ended a great day on a high note for all who attended.
The remaining fixtures this season for the East Clare Farmers Hunt include: Scariff, January 27; Kilmore, February 3; Mountshannon, February 10; East Clare Farmers Annual Hunt Dance, February 23; East Clare Charity Ride in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland, March 3.
Additional information on visitor and hunt membership is available from East Clare Farmers Hunt treasurer, John Vaughan.
