34 MEMOIR OF THE KILKENNY HUNT. 



CHAPTER III. 



As time went on, additional coverts were made and 

 earths constructed, and the sport improved. Mr. 

 Power's sons were now growing up, and his eldest 

 son, John, early took the field, and imbibed a 

 passionate love for the chase and all connected with 

 it, which lasted unabated to the end of his life, and 

 was transmitted to his son and grandson. After 

 leaving Cambridge, he came to reside at Kilfane, 

 and soon became associated with his father in the 

 affairs of the Hunt, and with his uncle in the Kil- 

 kenny plays, though only in a minor degree. Mr. 

 Power's sport now began to attract many hunting 

 men from a distance, and became widely known. 



The Kilkenny plays have just been alluded to. 

 Instituted by Mr. Richard Power in 1802, they 

 continued until 1819, and as the company contained 

 some very good amateur actors, people were attracted 

 from all parts of Ireland to Kilkenny. As was 

 natural, Mr. Power assisted his brother, and though 

 he only took minor parts, he gave every possible 

 encouragement by asking actors and others to his 

 house, and arranging his meets to suit all parties. 

 Thus the Kilkenny Hunt Club and the Private 

 Theatre of Kilkenny became closely allied, and one 

 contributed to the success of the other. The younger 



