Donegal Harriers Creeslough Hunt 19th February 2011
With the weather on their side the outlook was promising for the Donegal Harriers as they embarked the second Creeslough Hunt organised by Donegal Gaeltacht club members Shaun Brennan, Rosaleen Harkin & John McDaid. After a stirrup cup provided by Rosaleen and Anne to welcome the Harriers to Creeslough and settle any nerves, the riders set off with adrenalin beginning to kick in at the prospect of a day of jumping, galloping, beautiful scenery and a lot of craic.
Led by Shaun, John & Rosaleen, the Harrier’s were put to the test in Duntally Woods where a route filled with natural jumps through the forest got things off to an exciting start. Not for the faint hearted, there was no time to hang around admiring the scenery as on exiting the forest the riders were faced with another round of natural jumps and stone ditches in Shaun’s land, where our very own Ronnie Wilson set a fine example of how to land on your feet when things go wrong….
Proceeding onto John’s ground at Doe Point, riders got a chance to quench their thirst as the stirrup cups flowed. Riding out around the point, there was no time to enjoy the sea views as riders had to navigate their horses over purpose built fences, natural ditches and drains, where some of those who over indulged in the stirrup cups suddenly found themselves rolling on the ground!
Crossing the bay towards Ards, Micky McHugh decided it was time to lead the way and set the pace for a fast gallop across the strand, covering the more conservative riders in wet sand as he passed! As Rosaleen Harkin and Leo Porter wondered how they would get their stocks and jackets cleaned before the NW League the following day, John McDaid pointed out the benefits of sea mud, informing Rosaleen she would look 10 years younger the next day.
There was no time for chit chat upon reaching Ards as a fast and exciting route filled with natural jumps put every rider’s navigational and riding skills to the test. Those not on full alert were likely to be left swinging off a tree as certain club members with suspicious green stains on their jackets can verify….
Ex-club member Patsy Coyle unwittingly gave a great example of why should you try to remain in the saddle at all times as remounting can prove to be very difficult, as video evidence has shown. Unfortunately we do not have video evidence of Patsy catching his coat button in mid-air while falling off so I guess we will just have to take his word for it.
Returning to Creeslough, not yet tired out even after almost 100 jumps, Micky once again decided to take lead position, galloping across the bay followed closely by future DG club member Kyle Brennan riding King without any stirrups.
The day was ended in the Corncutters reminiscing on the great day’s jumping and craic over a cooling pint or two, with a toast to Manus Kelly who unfortunately could not be there but had done a trial run beforehand. At the end of the night, Shaun and John were already busy planning next years hunt, while Rosaleen went home hoping to wake up looking 10 years younger the next morning….
Clive Wasson’s photos – Clive Wasson Photography
More photos – Picasa
