In the heart of Ireland, the city of Limerick reverberated with the echoes of hooves and the triumphant baying of hounds as the Limerick Hunt celebrated yet another exhilarating fox hunt near Cappagh last Wednesday. The timeless spectacle unfolded in Fender’s Wood, where the seasoned hunters of Limerick pursued a grand dark-colored old dog fox, weaving through a picturesque wall country for a thrilling four-mile chase that culminated in the open fields of Ballynorth.
The Limerick Hunt, an institution deeply woven into the fabric of the city’s heritage, showcased its prowess and dedication to the age-old tradition of fox hunting. The fox, a venerable creature with a storied history of providing challenging hunts, met its fate in the open fields, a testament to the skill and commitment of the Limerick Hunt members.
But the thrill of the hunt wasn’t the only highlight for the passionate community of Limerick’s hunting enthusiasts. On the night of February 28, the illustrious Theatre Royal in Limerick played host to the annual hunt ball, a glamorous affair that brought together the city’s elite in celebration of their shared love for the age-old sport. The festivities reached a crescendo as Major Wise, the embodiment of Limerick’s hunting spirit, was honoured with a full-size painting and a silver vase.
The painting, a masterpiece crafted by the talented local artist Mr Dermot O’Brien of Cahermoyle, captured Major Wise in his hunting regalia, immortalizing his contributions to the Limerick Hunt. Mrs. Bannatyne, representing the subscribers, presented the painting on the theatre stage, acknowledging Major Wise’s universal popularity in Limerick and praising the exceptional sport he had provided during his nine seasons of Mastership.
As Major Wise graciously accepted the accolades, he expressed his regret at parting ways with the countryside that had become a second home. Yet, in the spirit of continuity and progress, he congratulated the Limerick community on their good fortune in having Mr Nigel Baring as his successor, ensuring that the legacy of Limerick’s fox hunting would endure.
The weekend’s hunt continued the legacy with a meeting near Lickadoon, close to the heart of Limerick. Hounds were unleashed, and the pursuit led them to Cahernarry. A fox, initially believed to be a vixen, set the stage for an enthralling chase, demonstrating the agility and skill of the Limerick Hunt. However, the decision was made to spare the vixen, an acknowledgment of the ethical considerations that underscore the traditions of the hunt.
Undeterred, the hunters turned their attention to Bailinagarde, a terrain that would soon witness the prowess of the Limerick Hunt. A fine old dog fox emerged, galloping across the landscape with purpose, charting a course over the Limerick-Bruff road. The hounds, driven by instinct and discipline, pursued their quarry, marking an unforgettable spectacle of nature’s drama.
The pursuit reached its zenith in Caherconlish, with the pack showcasing their mettle by swiftly closing in on the fox. The culmination occurred in the open fields, a mere four miles from the starting point—a testament to the resilience of the Limerick Hunt and the enduring spirit of fox hunting in the region.
As the Limerick Hunt continues to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and conservation, the city remains a bastion of sporting heritage. The fox, once a symbol of the hunt, now embodies the resilience of a community committed to preserving its cultural legacy. In the evolving landscape of Limerick’s fox hunting, each chase becomes a chapter in a timeless narrative—a narrative that Limerick proudly pens with every hoofbeat, echoing the sentiments of a city that holds its traditions close to its heart.
Field – Saturday 07 March 1908
