On Saturday we ventured into the field again, this time paying East Galway Hunt a visit for the first time this season. Many of the hunters have already bumped into us this season as both Roscommon and Grallagh hunts were involved.

Prior to meeting, we were unsure if the hunt would actually take place as the weather was beyond extreme, heavy rainfall and strong wilds. This didn't faze the hunt who were clearly raring to open their meet card regardless of the weather. After driving through some extremely waterlogged roads we determinedly arrived at the meet location.

They set off from Eyrecourt at about 12:45pm. Sabs stayed hot on their tails until we got to a forested area with swamps, high rivers etc which slowed us down substantially. Sabs then split in two teams, one team headed through the woodland and the other around it. We came across many lone hounds whom we gave affection to. Besides the odd yelp, there was no cries.

We caught up to the hunt after about 15 minutes of heavy cross country trekking where the huntsman was recalling the hounds along the road. We received some vocals from hunt members which we completely ignored. We were also saddened to see some tourists recording the hunt as though it was some "attraction".

After the huntsman finally recalled the hounds one of our sab teams stayed hot on the hounds, whilst the other masked the scent of a fox who had broke cover from the adjacent woodland. They then used the gizmo to attempt to control the pack, however it wasn't necessary as the hounds had already lost the scent likely due to the citronella. Thankfully both the huntsman and whippers in were more concerned with talking rubbish to one another so the fox ran right by them.

After about another 30 - 35 minutes of failed attempts by East Galway to flush a fox from some "preserved, no hunting" forestry, they finally packed up and headed back to town. After just under two hours, the hunt left town with no kills. Without sab interference that would have been very different.

Roscommon huntsman Oliver Walsh even stopped to wish us well and invited us for a visit again soon, we will see you soon Oliver. Watch us following the hunt here.

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