|
Hunting in Ireland
|
Defined as the "pursuit of of an
animal in its natural environment by a pack of hounds, following
a scent" hunting is arguably Ireland's oldest sport.
We have moved on from
those early days when the pursuit was necessary to put
meat on the table to where hunting, in all its many
facets, is a pastime enjoyed in Ireland by many
thousands of country people from all walks of life.
More than just a means of controlling pest species,
hunting is a social occasion for all concerned and a way
of life
|
|
|
|
Some
Background
|
|
It is a great tragedy that the present Labour Government
saw fit to ban hunting in Great Britain and, in doing
so, ended hundreds of years of tradition, livelihood and
enjoyment for country dwellers. Fortunately in Ireland,
our Noble Tradition still lives on and we enjoy in both
parts of the island those pleasures that can only be
derived from a day in the field with horses, hounds and
terriers. 
|
|
|
|
To
the Fox |
|
Off to the hunting field though ‘tis
September. The
wind’s in the South; but a word ere we
start. Though keenly excited, I bid you
remember That hunting’ s a science, and riding an
art. |
| |
|
The order
of march and the due regulation That guides us in warfare, we need in a
chase Huntsman and Whip, each in his
station,
Horse, hound, and fox, each his own proper
place. |
| |
|
The fox,
paramount, precedes all from the cover The
horse is an animal purposely bred
After the pack to be ridden, not over'
Good hounds are not rear’d to be knocked on
the head.’ |
|
|