HISTORY OF THE KILDARE HUNT 



be allow'd fifteen guineas extraordinary for the 

 keeping of two horses for this year only. 



A DubHn bi-weekly newspaper, the Constitu- 

 tion, preserves mention of sport in Kildare which 

 may perhaps be quoted as a last contribution to the 

 scanty record of Kildare sport before the days of 

 the present hunt. 



" Sat. Deer. 21st. 1799. Mr Henry requests that 

 every Gentleman who may wish to hunt with his 

 hounds will if possible do him the favour of coming 

 to Straffan on Monday the 23rd inst. at 8 o'clock 

 to consider measures for the promotion of the 

 sport. The hounds will draw Kilashee Coverts same 

 day at 10 o'clock." 



Under date of February 20, 1800, and the heading 

 " King's County Sport," we have the following 

 from the same paper. 



" Social Meet at T. Dooley's, Birr, on 24th Feb. 

 1800. Thomas Bernard Esqr. president. Mr. Eyre's 

 foxhounds will draw the coverts on Monday Wed- 

 nesday and Friday. . Messrs Bernard, Drught and 

 Wellington's Harriers will hunt on Tuesday, 

 Thursday and Saturday. A Ball and Supper at 

 T. Fallows 's Long Room on Wednesday night, and 

 an Oyster Club on Thursday. 



" A main of cocks will be fought. 



" Sporting in all shapes during the week." 



56 



