The hunting and eventing world were well represented at the wedding of Mark Ollard, huntsman of The Island Foxhounds and event rider Clare Lambert at Ballymore Church, Killinick, County Wexford, Ireland.
The ceremony was performed by Father Murty Byrne and the bridesmaids were event rider Monica Whelan and Correna Bowe. Best men were Irish international event rider Michael Ryan and Ted Hudson.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Roddy Bailey, former Master and huntsman of the Morpeth Foxhounds, read Will Ogilvie’s poem, “The Happiest Man in England” re-worked as “The Happiest Pair in Ireland.”
Mark’s mother Claire and his late father Martin were Joint-Masters of the South Wold Foxhounds in Lincolnshire. Clare’s father Jack is a well known breeder of Irish Draught. and Irish Sport horses, and her family has been long time followers of the Killinick Harriers. It was Clare who produced the Irish bred eventer All The Aces, one of New Jersey-based Buck Davidson’s hopefuls for the next Olympics.
A guard of honour was provided by (l-r) Chris Ryan, Master and huntsman of the Scarteen Hounds; Oliver Ryan-Purcell, Master and huntsman of the North Tipperary Foxhounds; and Charlie Gundry, huntsman of the Kilkenny Foxhounds, who blew “Gone Away” as the happy couple left the church.
Mark and Clare will have a short honeymoon before Mark makes preparations to take on the North Tipperary Foxhounds as Master and huntsman next season.
Posted March 24, 2011
