THE SOUTH UNION
FOXHOUNDS NEWS
LETTER
Volume 1-November 2010
Welcome To The South Union News Letter. The hunt traces back over 150 years
November marks the start of our hunting season, by now horse’s should be in and on
their way to getting fit. Once again it’s time to get out the clippers, rugs and the
hunting jacket on.
As you know our new hunts mans Brain Hannon is well in place and doing a
wonderful job on our hounds, Brian is a hunts man with many years and has taken to
the role of the South Union Hunts Man very well. Autumn hunting in well under way
with breakfast’s being served after a good morning out on the land.
Opening meet is November 13th in Robbers Cove, Best turned out for Horse and Pony
this year. So get plaiting and grooming those tails
Huntsman –Brian Hannon
Wip - Donal Lordon , John Cantilan
Field -Master Pat Maher
Welcome our new members
Michael O Connell,
Joseph Wright,
Con Dan O Sullivan
Eimier White
Putting on a Hunt Breakfast?
Here are some tried-and-true favourites that have pleased armies of foxhunters around the country
Omelette Recipe
A beautifully cooked French omelette is brown on the outside and fluffy and moist on the inside. It is
the easiest thing in the world to get right, and when you do you'll have a standby whenever you need
a quick healthy meal. It's also good for anyone elderly as it is easy to digest and an egg is a good
source of protein.
Eggs,Oil,Milk/Cream,Salt,Pepper
Sausage And Pepper Filling
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 of Lordon’s sausages, cooked
1/2 Red peppers, chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1.Heat a little oil or butter,in a non-stick pan. If you have too much, wipe the pan with a bit of paper
towel.
2. Whisk eggs and a little cream/milk if you have it (it makes it lighter).
3. When the oil/ butter is hot, pour the egg mixture in and leave for about 5 seconds for the bottom to
set a little, then start stirring with a non-stick spatula or a wooden spoon. The trick is to keep the
eggy fluid moving so that it bubbles up and becomes lighter. You want the omelette to start to look
like hilly terrain, and not be flat.
5. Keep cutting the bottom of the omelette with the spatula to let the egg through to the bottom of the
pan. Turn off the heat when you have what looks like an omelette and when it is still wet on top
(don't let it dry out - it will continue cooking for a while yet).
6. If you are making a filled omelette, add the topping to the omelette now. Don't add too much, or
you will not be able to fold it***Do not salt eggs before or during cooking. Salt can cause the
eggs to become tough tough during cooking, so for best results salt eggs (if desired) only
after cooking
Sloe Gin
The country’s covered in these sloes right now. They’re the fruit of the blackthorn tree so every hedge
should have some. Don’t attempt to eat them. They’re bitter and horrible. They’re a member of the
plum family. You can make jam, or better still SLOE GIN with them.
500g sloes
250g sugar
0.75l bottle gin
Wash and prick the sloes, or pop them in the freezer overnight to split them. Put the
sloes, gin and sugar in a jar (a glass topped preserving jar is ideal) and seal. Shake the
jar daily for two weeks, then weekly. After 2-3 months, strain out the sloes (through
muslin, or a coffee filter) and bottle. You can leave the sloes in a little longer and it will
improve, but no more than about 6 months. Once bottled it'll keep for ages!
Hunting Etiquette and Hunting Terms,
The major concern of people wishing to hunt for the first time seems to be a fear of wearing or doing
the wrong thing. Whilst etiquette is important to ensure hunting has an acceptable public image, we
hope that people who come to hunt will find us tolerant and helpful. We hope this guide will help you
feel more comfortable and confident while out hunting. You will not remember all of it, but the more
you hunt the more you will realise the reasons for a code of conduct.
What should I wear? Whilst there is a formal hunting attire that regular followers wear, there are a
variety of alternatives which are perfectly acceptable. Starting from the top, any form of safety hat is
acceptable, but we would prefer the cover to be of a sober colour and without tassles or pom poms! A
hunting shirt and stock. shirt and tie or even a polo neck sweater are acceptable under any safe
coat/jacket, but once again brightly coloured coats should be avoided. Wax jackets are perfectly
acceptable. Fawn breeches are preferred, but white or coloured breeches/jodhpurs are acceptable if
they are all you have. Long boots or jodhpur boots are safest. Spurs are completely optional. Back
protectors are also acceptable and are indeed recommended for novice children.
What should I have in my pockets? The money for your Cap, a penknife, some baler twine and
possibly some food. You may even consider carrying a handkerchief or a bandage for emergencies. If
you are carrying a mobile telephone it should be turned off during hunting. If you are a complete
stranger, or suffer from any medical condition, it is a good idea to carry a printed copy of your details
so that we can help you should you have an accident
Going to the meet? It is much more relaxing to allow plenty of time to get to the meet/unboxing place
as you are more likely to find a convenient place to unbox. Please do not park in gateways or
opposite other boxes or vehicles. Where possible ensure vehicles are completely off the road,
especially on narrow roads, and allow room for agricultural vehicles to pass.
Is there anything I need to know about the hounds? Do not assume that because you horse does
not kick your dog at home that he/she will necessarily tolerate a pack of hounds. Even if he/she will,
the huntsman does not know that and you will worry him if you get amongst the hounds. Bloodhounds
are particularly bad at getting out of the way, so it is your duty to keep away from them
Jumping Etiquette Do not attempt to jump if there is a hound anywhere near a jump. Give Hunt Staff
priority and if you know your horse is a poor jumper let others go first. If your horse refuses, clear the
jump quickly and let others go before you try again. If you break a jump make sure it is stock proof
before you go on (this is where you might need that baler twine) and ensure you report the breakage
to a Master or Hunt Secretary. If you attempt a gate and break it you will be expected to pay for it.
Riding near or through livestock When riding near or through livestock ensure you are between the
stock and the fence and ride at a speed they will tolerate without getting upset. If stock bunch up in a
corner, stop and wait for them to move out. You should not enter any field without the Field Master
unless instructed to do so.
If you fall off, get shouted at? Don't worry, we've all been there. It's all part of becoming an
experienced horseman/woman!
General Etiquette It is surprising how many people leave their manners on the ground when they get
on a horse. Please thank cars for slowing down, wave cars on when you see the Masters wave them
on, and keep to the nearside if you hear the shout "car please". A smile and "good morning" to people
on foot will help to dispel the myth that everyone on horseback is a snob and too good to talk to
people on foot.
Have fun, that's what you are there for, and we want you to enjoy yourself and come back
again!
Hunt Reports And 2010 Events
Wednesday, June 28, 2010 marked a sad day for hunting in Ireland when a coalition government lead
by the majority party Fianna Fail, the minority Green Party, and some Independent members of
Parliament voted to end a 180-year-old tradition by banning the only pack of staghounds on the
island, the Ward Union Staghounds. It is all the more remarkable, considering the extremely serious
economic problems that Ireland has at the moment, that the Green Party chose to make staghunting
a central issue in their renegotiated program for government.
Charity Ride
All guns were blazing for this year’s first charity ride held at for Templetrine Church, Ballinspittle on
the 26th of September it was a wonderful dry day as Donal Lordon lead us out in full force. It was
catered for small and big horses and everyone agreed it was a wonderful start to the year.
It was a glorious Sunday afternoon when horse box’s started arriving at the Speckle Door for the first
event of the year for the South Union Hunt, A Charity Ride run by Donal Lordon in aid of Templetrine
Church and what away to spend a sunny Sunday evening at the Old Head!
The day started off in the bar as it does catching up with every one having a few warm up drinks “so I
was told” even dough it was a fine warm day, Every one was in good sprit’s and horses were ready to
go.
We set off around the across the beach and up in to fine big stubble fields. There were ditches to be
jumped in all corners, there were large and small for the brave and not so brave, from here we
travelled back trough the beach and it was up and onwards form here.
We had people young and old who came from near and far, We had Francis o Callaghan from our
neighbouring Muskerry Hunt who turned up on her lovely cob that was freshly clipped that morning by
herself.
Pat Lordon who turned up looking dapper, for those of you who don’t know the meaning (Neatly
Dressed, Smart, Very Stylish, Lively and Alert, (Well Turned Out) The same could be said for Micheál
O Regan’s horse Tadgh who was undoubtedly best turned out, All dough we have our slight suspicion
it wasn’t Micheál who was up all morning plating but Mr’s White herself!!!!
Our youngest member was Niall Burke who is only 8 years of age and he was riding his pony "Spotty
dot com"
We also had a lovely group from Kinsale Equstrain centre all on there well turned out ponies.
And of course we can’t forget our foot followers that were great support.
John O Donoghue’s Adventures at 93 Years Of Age!
Tuesday the 31st of August was when it all began,
When we left Innishannon bound for the Swansea Cork ferry, we had little idea of what the cruise
and John had in store.
The night ferry was followed by a long drive with the Tenors on the CD player and John in the front
seat singing Ave Maria. In Southampton the true vastness of the ship struck us as the dock skyline
was dwarfed by the Independence Of The Seas over fifteen stories tall and three and a half football
pitches long!
The long wait at departures was worth the wait when we got John a lovely surprise, that was a blue
electric scooter which he has become quite attached to and you may see him trundling along after
the pack of hounds on a morning meet. A short test drive and we were off on our way, our eye’s
caught a glimpse of a mass of people and shops including a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlor,
authentic Italian restaurant and many more in the main promenade.
John wasn’t missing out any fun on this ship!
Our room posed a tricky problem as it was very easy to confuse the front and the back of the boat!
and which was it to the left or right (or port and starboard if you like).This became less of a problem
as the cruise went on.
The days were a muddle of shows, smooth sailing, with lots of bumped walls from John reliving his
boy racer days in his Red Ford Sport Escort up and down the ship at full speed in blue electric scooter
with Yvonne a seasoned cruise goer chasing up and down the deck. Between the rock climbing wall,
swimming pools, arcade, casino (which he won $250), spa and several restaurants I had a felling
John wouldn’t have time for the surfing or basketball Besides the amazing excursions in Tenerife,
Lanzrortie, Grand Canaria, Madeira and Vigo Spain, the fine dining with three formal nights the
highlight of the cruise was John on stage in the Alhambra theatre in front of a thousand people
singing O So LE Mio to a standing ovation in the boat talent show!
All in all touring a volcanic landscape or an Atlantic island, in a balcony suite or at a live music dinner
show where even John was the entertainment and fun and for this reason a second cruise in July in
the med is already booked so John pack up your scooter were off again.!
AREA MANAGERS FOR THE 2010/2011 SEASON
ROBERTS COVE……………...S.CORRIGAN
BLUE HORIZON……………D.LORDAN, P.COLLINS, E. JOHNSON
KILLEADY…………………L.BURKE, JOHN C, EOIN FLYNN
BELGOOLY………………B.HURLEY, G.WYCHERLEY, F. WRIGHT
NOHOVAL……………… JOE O’SULLIVAN. MICHEAL OS, SHEILA
BROWNSMILLS…………SAME AS BELGOOLY
DUNDERROW…………………MARIE NYHAN, F.WRIGHT
TRACTON/BALLYFREAD T.WILSON, DONAL, D. HARRINTON
CASTLEPARK…………………D.LORDAN, P.COLLINS
BALLINHASSIG……… P.MAHER. M.O’NEILL, EUGENE, EOIN FLYNN
HALFWAY……………………M.O’NEILL, P.CROWLEY,
RIVERSTICK…………… E.KELLEHER, EIMER WHITE, T WILSON
INNISHANNON……………….B.O’KEEFFE, CON DAN OSULLIVAN
CARRIGALINE……………… ..( STEPTENS DAY)
5 MILE BRIDGE…………M.O’REGAN, D.GOODE, R.WALLACE
BALLINREA CROSS…………..ALEX CHAMBER
TEMPLEBREEDY…… J.McCANN , D.HARRINTON, BILLY NICKLESON
KINSALE………………M.O’SULLIVAN, DANE, TOM OLEARY
MINANEBRIDGE……………..S.CORRIGAN, JOE MC, MICHEAL OS
BALLINSPITTLE………………D.LORDAN, ERIC, PAT C, JOHN LORDAN
JAGOESMILLS…………………SAME AS BELGOOLY
WATERFALL………………J.CANTILLON, THERESE
FOUNTAINSTOWN… J.McCANN , D.HARRINTON, BILLY
SUMMERCOVE……M.O’SULLIVAN, TOM OLEARY, JOSEPH WRIGHT
SPECKLEDOOR……………….D.LORDAN, J.LORDAN, PAT, ERIC
HEATHBURN HALL………….T.WILSON, FIONA LEAHY
RISING SUN………EUGENE, P CROWLEY , JOHN CAN, LIAM CURTIN
ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE OF AREAS MUST CONTACT BRIAN AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE
HAND AND ARRANGE CANVASSING, FENCING ETC…. PLEASE ASK OTHER MEMBERS FOR HELP
IF NEEDED BEFORE AND AFTER HUNTING.
HUNTING TERMS, LANGUAGE AND SIGNALS
Babbler or babbling
A hound that speaks when it is not hunting is said to
be a babbler or babbling.
Bitch
Female hound
By Invitation
This sometimes appears on the meet card of a hunt
that has been invited to hunt in another hunt's
country.
Cap
A daily charge to come out hunting
"Car Please"
Is shouted to tell the Field to keep to the left to let
cars through on the road.
Cast
When the hounds are looking for the line. The
huntsman may cast the hounds towards where he
thinks the hounds will pick it up.
Check
When the hounds lose the line.
Couples
Hounds are counted in couples.( i.e. one hound, a
couple, a couple and a half, two couples, etc.)
Couples are also two collars linked on a chain and
can be seen hanging on the hunt staffs' saddles.
Cur Dog
A canine which is not a hound.
Dog
Male hound
Stern
A hound's tail.
Entered
An entered hound is a hound that has done a
season's hunting.
Feather
Hounds are said to feather or be feathering when
they have the line but are unable to speak to it.
Field
The mounted followers.
Field Master
The person in charge of leading and controlling the
Field.
Foil
Any smell or disturbed ground which spoils the line.
"Gate Please"
Shouted backwards on going through a gate which
should be closed.
Gate shutter
A person specially designated to shut gates and
mend fences. Sometimes wears a white armband.
Even when these people are present you should shut
gates where necessary.
Whipper in
The person who helps the huntsman controls the
hounds. This person has right of way at all times and
will only give way to the Huntsman.
Whip in the air (usually by Field
Master)
This means stand still where you are, not wait until
you get level with the Field Master and then stop.
Hand in the air by gateway
Signal to people coming towards a gate, but out of
hearing, that the gate should be shut. The response
to which should be to hold your hand in the air to
show you have got the message and will shut the
gate.
"Headland Please"
Shouted when the Field is required to ride in single
file close to the fence boundary of field in order to
protect crops or sensitive grassland.
Heel
Hounds are said to be hunting heel when they hunt
the reverse direction to the route of the quarry.
"Hold Hard"
Shouted by the Field Master to stop the field
overtaking him/her.
Hot bitches (we have plenty of
these In the SUH!)
In season bitches.
Hound
All scent hunting dogs are referred to as hounds. It is
the duty of mounted followers to keep out of the way
of the hounds, not vice versa.
Huntsman
The man who hunts the hounds. There is only one
huntsman on the hunting field per day, he may also
be a Master, and he has absolute right of way at all
times.
Hunt Staff
The people responsible for working the hounds. i.e.
Huntsman and Whippers in. They may be Masters,
amateurs or professionals.
"Kick on"
You may get this response when you make way for a
Master or Huntsman at a gate or jump. It means you
don't have to wait for him/her and should carry on.
Lawn Meet
A meet where refreshments are provided by
someone, usually the owner of the property where
the meet is taking place. This person should be
thanked by everyone as they leave the meet.
Line
The scent left by the quarry.
"Loose Horse"
Shouted when someone has fallen off and the horse
is running away.
Master
Maybe a Joint Master. These are the people
responsible for the running of the hunt and
particularly for liaison with the farmers and
landowners. They should have right of way at all
times..
"Master/Huntsman/Whip/Hound
please"
This means give way to these people as they have a
job to do. If it is heard on a road everyone should get
to one side, not line both sides, to reduce the
chances of them being kicked.
This means the Master/Whip/Hound should be let
"Master/Huntsman/Whip/Hound on
through on the side shouted. The side corresponding
the right/left"
to the direction of travel of the majority of the Field.
Mixed Pack
A pack consisting of dogs and bitches
Mute
A hound which hunts without speaking is mute
Whip held to side by huntsman
If the whip is in the huntsman's right hand he will be
keeping the hounds to his left. You should therefore
let him pass so that his horse is between you and the
hounds.
Speak or speaking
Hounds do not bark, they speak or are speaking
when they are "on the line" (hunting a scent).
Red Ribbon
Worn on the tale of a known kicker.These horses
should be kept at the back of the field until they
become educated and no longer need to wear a
ribbon.
Questions
Is it a Vixen or Dog Fox?
Are there clues in the appearance, colour, or other visible characteristics of this fox that
reveal its sex?
Differences between dog fox and vixen in weight (dog fox about 15% heavier) and in length
(vixen somewhat smaller). Dog foxes are slightly whiskered, a characteristic that vixen
doesn't have, although this difference is very hard to determine. During the winter, the fur is
thicker and the fox has a somewhat shaggy appearance; during spring, the fox loses its
winter fur and looks a bit scruffy and untidy, but the animal looks slim and elegant again in
summer. I asked Jim Wallis this question one cold morning in September and he said” There
is only one sure way to know if it’s a Vixen or Dog Fox and that is to pick him up and have a
good look at his testimonial’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ENTERTAINMENT
Hunt Ball Carrigaline Court Hotel
Don’t forget the Hunt Ball On November 27th guaranteed a great night, champagne
reception and the Hound Dogs Playing. Book your table early so you won’t be disappointed
.
The Hunter Trails Course for 2010
Work is well under way with courses to suit all levels. Classes will not be delayed and start at
10.30 sharp. Volunteers will be needed on the day and before hand to have the course
ready for the 31st of October. Without the hard work of a team of volunteers and the supports
of the numerous sponsors Kinsale Hunter Trails would not be the huge success that it is, so
a big thank you to all.
Sponsors of The Kinsale Hunter Trails Course for 2010
John Lordon
Jane Morgan ( Fab Flowers)
Saddle&Style
Fiona Leahy (Leahys Opticians)
Donal Lordon Lordans Butchers
Joe O Sullivan (Cubins)
Martin and Marie Shannon (Fishy Fishy)
Carmel and Mossy Hayes (Favourites shop)
Kinsale Equestrian Centre
Milestone Birthdays Among Our Hunt Members
Jane Morgan
Barbra Lordon
What a fine hunting day, it's as balmy as May,
When the hounds to our village did come.
Every friend will be there, and all troubles and care
Will be left far behind them at home
So we'll all go a-hunting today
All nature looks smiling and gay
Let us join the glad throng
That goes laughing along
And we'll all go a-hunting today