Stonehall Harriers P2P Launch

The Stonehall Harriers will hold an Autumn fixture this season at their new track Moig South which they unveiled in March of this year. 

The track was well received by riders and handlers and has already produced a decent track winner in Commander Of Fleet who won the Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival. 

Their point-to-point will take place on Sunday 4th November and will feature the ITM Ladies Open.
There were over 70 people in attendance at the launch of the Stonehall Harriers which they held at the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West.

Liam Fitzsimmons spoke on behalf of the hunt and gave special thanks to the landowners the Hanley and Neville family for their generosity and support.  The secretary also referenced the enthusiasm of the Stonehalls who have been running point-to-points over the years.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State at the Departments of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment, underlined the importance of getting out and promoting the meeting and the awareness would ensure a successful day. 

He also noted the support from the Government and Minister Creed is very strong for the industry and that the role it plays is genuinely appreciated.

Ger Hannon regular commentator, complimented the track and noted that Commander Of Fleet who won their first race went on to win Land Rover Bumper and was one of the most exciting young horses in training.  Faugheen was another graduate from a Stonehall fixture, he won his maiden at their track in Ballysteen. 

Furthermore he noted that the effort made by the Stonehalls was making a real difference and he had seen this in his own hunt, the county Clare's whereby meetings had struggled to break even were now making a worthwhile profit.

Frankie Ward regional secretary was also present and was full of praise for the committee and the generous sponsorship from ITM who sponsor the Lady Riders Series.

Eric Fitzsimmons joint secretary of the hunt thanked all for coming, their landowners, sponsors and volunteers and also gave special mention to Michael O’Shaughnessy who is the longest serving hunt master having been in the role for 65 years.

The night was well supported by the industry with likes of Liz Lalor, Maxine O’Sullivan, Sheila Ahern, Irene Walsh, Shauna Larkin, Tom Keating, Paul O’Neill, Brian McCarthy, Philip McLernon and Local TD Tom Neville were all in attendance.