SIR JOHN KENNEDY, 1814-1841 



there is no further entry in the minute-book during 

 the next five years. 



Some remarks in the diary of Baron de Robeck, 

 of which I have made mention, give a vivid idea 

 of the circumstances in v^hich sportsmen contrived 

 to enjoy their sport nearly a century ago. The 

 Baron's usual course v^as to hunt from Dublin, 

 where he then lived, and as a rule he rode down 

 early to Lyons, where he breakfasted with his 

 father-in-law. Lord Cloncurry, and joined the 

 hounds later. Here, for example, is an entry of 

 October 11, 1821. 



" Hunted about the demesne with Kennedy's 

 foxhounds. Rode one of Cloncurry 's four year old 

 colts, consequently was not so much at my ease as 

 those who were upon well trained hunters." It has 

 long been a tradition in Kildare that the pioneers 

 of feminine hunting in the country were Mrs 

 Tynte and Mrs Bougatt, but the Baron proves that 

 the prowess of these ladies was anticipated by his 

 wife, thus: 



*' Jan 5th 1826. Cold sharp wind and every ap- 

 pearance of rain. Went out hunting, and the 

 Baroness on Potigan distinguished herself much." 



Again on the 26th of the same month: 



" Went out hunting at Downshire. Mary rode 

 very well," and two days later, " Very fine weather; 

 hunted at Stonebrook, Elverstown and Downshire 

 covers, a fatiguing day; Mary out the whole time." 

 I 113 



