Northern Hunt Senior Drag

The Northern Hunt Senior Drag started at the double turn, just off Nashs boreen, where 20 senior hounds lined up. They were to run for Na Piarsaghs and then down for the bog where we would meet them at the first crossing at the Red Gates. They certainly did that, but got very confused before coming to the first crossing. A few dogs ran on the bog instead of crossing the stream toward us at the red gates. Most of the hounds corrected themselves at this point and it was Christy & Marie Keatings hound whom led them across. They then headed for the bar bridge crossing, sweet shops and then to the last crossing at the haunted house. Here these hounds crossed without a glitch or a hint of fatigue.

Pictuerd Above Ciara, Olivia & Tristan O Herlihy with Senior winner 'Quiet Lady'

At the finish, 'Quiet Lady' of Fairhill (crossed the last road 2nd) led the pack in. Although they over ran this a bit at the forest, she still maintained to hold off John O Callaghans 'Is It It' by a few lengths, and crossed the line first again for trainer Tristan O Herlihy. Last Years senior championship winner 'Is It It' of Douglas followed 2nd and 3rd came Duggans Lad.
Video; Senior crossing at the Haunted House.

Senior Results;
1st Quiet Lady, Fairhill
2nd Is It It, Douglas
3rd Duggans Lad, Southern Harriers
4th Ryans Lady, Southern Harriers
5th Harold Scott, Northern United
6th Ruby, Northern United
20 Ran


Senior Maiden;
These 30 maidens slipped 10 minutes after the seniors to follow same course. The view from the Red Gates showed most of these hounds just making up their own course. Whilst most of the hounds were on the hunt heading for Na Piarsaghs, the other half were heading for the same place ............... in a different field !!! There was one dog who came straight down the rough, then must have realised he wasn't there to be hunting rabbits , and went back up and veared left to follow the tongue of the main pack !!!! If he kept coming down another 200 yards he would have met the hunt to take him across the red gates and saved himself the bother of trying to catch up with the rest !!!!
Once they reached the haunted house, they were well spread out. I was up the boreen looking down on the hounds as they passed and noticed the 12th dog was motoring ........ it was a lurcher who popped out from the side ditch. Fortunately, because of Gerry Kenneally, he didn't manage to make contact with any dog, and they ran on to the finish where Mickey Briens 'Westgate Tally' of Mayfield took the winning ribbon making it a double for him as his pup 'Judys Girl' won the puppy drag the day before. Jennifer Kennellys talented 'Crafty Jack' took a deserving 2nd place whilst Tim O Herlihys' 'Shane' of Griffin United took the 3rd ticket.

Fairhill Harriers are hosting their meeting next week at same venue, so again, no matter what effort and how well organised the drag is, these hounds are sure to make their own course again.......

Senior Maiden Results;
1st Westgate Tally, Mayfield
2nd Crafty Jack, Southern Harriers
3rd Shane, Griffin United
4th Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
5th Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers
6th Langdale Dazzler, Southern Harriers
30 Ran



Video; Senior Maidens crossing at the Haunted House

Senior Re-Run Results;
1st Quiet Lady, Fairhill
2nd Duggans Lad, Southern Harriers
3rd Is It It, Douglas
4th Tallyman, Northern United
5th Ryans Girl, Southern Harriers
6th Harold Scott, Northern United

Senior Maiden Re-Run Results
1st Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
2nd Curagheen Drive, Southern Harriers
3rd Callums Ryan, Douglas
4th Shane, Griffin United
5th Langdale Dazzler, Southern Harriers
6th Weekend Wino, Southern Harriers