130 IRISH SPORT AND SPORTSMEN. 



under the title of the * County Galway Hunt.* Mr. 

 St. George lived in Tyrone House, and hunted the 

 hounds himself; he spared no expense, and was well 

 supported by Willie Hall and two whips." 



** What became of the hounds when he gave 

 them up?'* 



" He handed them over to his relatives, Anthony 

 Nugent, now the Earl of Westmeath, and Mr. 

 Hyacinth Daly of Raford.'* 



** Where were they kept then ?" 



** At Raford, and were managed by Mr. Hyacinth 

 Daly, jun., who was a fine sportsman, and had a 

 grand stud of hunters, as well as several steeplechase 

 horses ; he had them only a short time, when he, 

 poor fellow, died very young. However his father 

 retained them for a few years afterwards— until his 

 demise, I believe." 



" Well, who succeeded to the mastership?" 



** A Committee had them for a short time.'* 



** Who were on the Committee ?" 



" Mr. St. George, Lord Westmeath, and Mr. 

 Robert Bodkin of Annagh. They determined to 

 make them a county pack, and Mr. R. Bodkin exerted 

 himself to the utmost. The gentlemen of the county 

 promised him their support, and subscribed liberally 

 — this was in 1840 — and they appointed Mr. John 

 Dennis master. They handed over a good pack to 

 him. I need scarcely tell you, that John Dennis was 

 one of the best sportsmen that ever breathed, perhaps 

 the best rider that ever sat in a saddle, and there 

 were few better men to ride a steeplechase. 

 To pilot a rough horse, there certainly was no 

 better in the world ; he won many steeplechases, and 



