north tipperary foxhounds
James Barclay, MFH (1959−2021)
James Barclay, MFH, hunting the Fitzwilliam hounds, 1993
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Maurice James Barclay, ex-MFH, at age sixty-two. His death is attributed to heart failure.
After serving as Master of five British foxhound packs, his response to Britain’s Hunting Act of 2004 was to devote himself to educating and persuading everyone he could reach―whether pro-hunting or anti-hunting, adult or child, wealthy countryman or underprivileged child of the city―of foxhunting’s intrinsic value to England’s story-book countryside. To James, nothing was more important than saving the countryside.
The Westmeath Foxhounds at Streamstown
Westmeath Foxhounds (IR) and staff: huntsman Mark Ollard (rt) and whipper-in Adam Douabbse. John Smith and Frano Derwin follow / Noel Mullins photo
The Westmeath Foxhounds, located in the Midlands of Ireland, was founded in 1854. It has had many illustrious Masters over the years such as Sam Reynell (1835-91), the Earls of Longford (1890s), Hon. Kieran Guinness (1973-76), Sir Dermot and Lady Molly Cusack Smith (1949-50), and Harry Worcester Smith (1912-13) from the USA (no relation to Sir Dermot).
Smith wanted to prove that American hounds and Thoroughbred horses could handle the Irish hunting country as well as the native horses and hounds. He was disappointed on both counts. First, the Westmeath hunt committee insisted he hunt the local pack, and second, though he was a brave and competent rider, he notched over fifty falls off his Thoroughbred horses in the course of the season!
A Cowboy in County Clare
Kail Mantle from Montana: just like riding a bronc / Val Westover photo
Last year, while hunting with the Red Rock Hounds (NV), I met Renee and Kail Mantle from Big Sky Hounds in Three Forks, Montana. Kail gave us a bucking horse lesson one day before hunting. This Montana cowboy, who hunts in chaps and cowboy hat, had sat calmly to his horse bucking crazily above the sagebrush and had seriously impressed me.
When a group of these Western foxhunters invited me to accompany them to Ireland this year, I jumped at the chance. These were fun people---more than a little crazy, and I wondered if anyone had warned the Irish!
I also wondered if my companions knew what they were getting into. I had hunted the big Irish walls and hedges in 2000, and I came home with newfound respect for anyone who hunts regularly in Ireland. It is challenging country, and their version of foxhunting is an excuse to run and jump really big fences.
Huntsman and Eventer: “The Happiest Pair in Ireland”
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
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