Leo Powell presents The Irish Field Perpetual Trophy for Best Unentered Bi*ch, ‘Old English,’ Co. Limerick Truckle (Racket ’18 ex Tassel ’18). Receiving the trophy is Belinda Johnson with huntsman Fergus Stokes and David Beecher, whipper-in for the Co. Limerick Foxhounds. Stradbally Hall stands in the background. / Catherine Power photo
For twenty-one years, the Irish National Hound Show has been hosted at Stradbally Hall in County Laois, the Cosby Family seat since the 1500s. Stradbally’s long history is as tragically brutal as the history of Ireland herself. Today, however, it is home to a young Cosby family and internationally known as the site of the annual Electric Picnic, a prized arts and music festival; the National Steam Rally; and the Irish Scout Jamboree, attracting scouts from Ireland, Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The hound show was a victim of Covid 19 last year and, like so many other events around the world, did not take place. The organisers managed to stage this year’s national show on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Spectators were not present. Attendance was limited to those who needed to be there: huntsmen, whipper-in, and Masters. For all that, the show was an outstanding success.
A great team was assembled to produce the show, led by Laois MFH and chairman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, the inimitable David Lalor. He was ably assisted by vice-chairman Lord Waterford. Well over thirty packs representing the four corners of Ireland brought harriers and foxhounds. This year, breaking with tradition, all the judges were home-based but qualified nonetheless.
In the foxhound ring judging the dog hounds were David Burke, MH (Grallagh), with Rupert Macauley, MFH (West Wicklow). Bi*ches were judged by Philip Desmond, MFH (West Waterford), and Roddy Bailey, ex-MFH (Morpeth).
The red rosettes were jealously guarded by the leading packs, with the Tipperary Foxhounds and huntsman Gavin Shorten visiting the winner’s enclosure on six occasions. County Limerick won three major classes plus two Old English championships.
Duhallow Foxhounds with (l-r) Joseph Coyle, whipper-in; Kate Jarvey, MFH; Pat Hayes, MFH; and huntsman Jamie Byrnes, after winning the Major McCalmont Perpetual Challenge for Best Couple of Entered Dogs. / Catherine Power photo
It was great to see huntsman Jamie Byrnes (Duhallow) supported by whipper-in Joe Coyle―son of Ward Union legend Pat Coyle (WU ’62)―winning the Major McCalmont trophy for the Best Entered Couple of Dog Hounds with home-breds Chandler and Rambo. Wouldn’t their late huntsman Ger Withers, who bred the winners, have been proud. Tribute was paid to the popular and highly regarded Ger Withers by Masters Yvonne McClintock and Andre Michaiski and a crowd of huntsmen who gathered in the ring for a moment of silence.
Masters and huntsmen crowd the ring in silent tribute to Duhallow huntsman Ger Withers, who died this year in a freak kennel incident. / Catherine Power photo.
Champion Dog Hound of show was Tipperary Monarch (Bicester Halifax ’13 ex Tipperary Mousey ’14).
Champion Bi*ch was Meath Gracious (Growler ’14 ex Cheshire Garlic ’16).
Twelve packs met in the harrier ring, probably the best year for that ring since Tom Geary, MH (Killeagh), started it just seven or eight seasons ago. Senior steward Garry McCarthy with Pat Murphy, Brigitte Doyle, Ger O’Rian, Susan Long, and not forgetting Hon Sec Catherine Dempsey, had put in Trojan work to make the event a great success.
Judging the foxhounds drawn from harrier packs were Oliver Ryan Purcell, MFH (Scarteen), with Mr. Liam Geary. The harriers were judged by Mr. Alan Summersgill and Mr. James Lowry. Champion foxhound (from a harrier pack) was Gralag from the Tara Harriers, while the champion harrier was Starlight from Scarteen, shown by huntsman Raymond O’Halloran.
Young Handlers Lily, Mia, and Tommy Jones showing Scarteen hounds. / Catherine Power photo
Possibly the high point of the day in either ring was the young sportsmen’s handling competition held in the harrier ring. Budding young huntsmen from six packs received red rosettes. Without exception, all were beautifully turned out and were credits to their parents and the hunt clubs they represented. The future of hunting looks secure!
Posted July 28, 2021
This article, previously published in The Irish Field, is re-published with permission.
Irish correspondent Dickie Power chats with Sonia Purcell, Secretary of The Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association. / Catherine Power photo