LAOIS 15 February
catherine.austen@futurenet.com
@cfaustenl23
Laois (Queen's County) Donaghmore, Co Laois
“DONAGHMORE never disappoints,” David Lalor MFH assured me, with the confident air of a man who's hunted the same country for 65 seasons.
The 40 or so riders who had gathered for the meet evidently shared his optimism. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air. There has been a buzz among those who hunt with the Laois throughout the present season; the best in years.
“Everybody's pulling together. It makes an awful difference,” said David. “It's great, and long may it last. The hunting has changed over the years, of course. 40 years ago you could go where you liked; very little forestry, very little wire. The fun is still in it though.”
Fun is what the Laois are all about. If there is a friendlier hunt in Ireland, or one more committed to enjoying each day, good or bad, I have yet to come across it.
The fact that so many of the members travel
