64 MEMOIR OF THE KILKENNY HUNT. 



the Rev. W. Gregory, then rector of Johnstown 

 about 1820, was one of his favourite coverts, and he 

 used to meet at Foyle Bridge to draw it. On one of 

 these occasions he learnt at the meet that a good 

 number of gentlemen from across the border were 

 waiting for him at the Rock. He immediately went 

 off to Beech Hill, a famous covert in the direction of 

 Ballyragget, where he found, and had a fine run up 

 to the Rock covert, where the peccant sportsmen 

 were still posted. Mr. Savage collected their half- 

 crowns, and then Sir John exclaimed, " Gentlemen, 

 we are now going home. You will please in future 

 come to the meet." The lesson was severe, but, no 

 doubt, necessary. Amongst the farmers Sir John was 

 immensely popular, and practically they would do 

 anything for him. Several hunted and went well, 

 amongst whom were some of the Hogan family from 

 Gaulstown, and other good sportsmen. 



The number of ladies hunting had now increased. 

 The Misses Langrishe of Knocktopher came out ; 

 Miss Smithwick from Kilcreene a little later. During 

 the last two years of Sir John's mastership, Lady 

 Worcester (the present Duchess of Beaufort) was 

 hunting, and was a very fine horsewoman. Miss 

 Rosabel Langrishe (now Mrs. Williams, and still 

 riding) could hold her own in the best of company, 

 and Miss Smithwick saw many fine runs. 



In the year 1850 Sir John Power resigned the 

 mastership, which had been held by himself and his 

 father for fifty-three years ; but the pack remained 

 his property for many years afterwards. Mr. George 

 Bryan of Jenkinstown thereupon took the hounds, 



