148 IRISH SPORT AND SPORTSMEN. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE CARLOW AND ISLAND HUNT HOUNDS. 



Although the Carlow and Island Hunt does not 

 rank in the same class as the "Blazers," Kildare, 

 Meath, or Curraghmore Hounds, I will venture 

 to assert that Mr. Robert Watson has, for many 

 years, afforded the Carlovians an opportunity of 

 enjoying as good sport as their neighbours. 



As to the history of the pack there is little to be 

 said, consequently this is one of the shortest chapters 

 in my book. Few different presidents have ruled over 

 them, for the honoured name of Watson has long 

 been inseparably associated with the Carlow Hounds. 



During the first quarter of the present century, 

 the Kildare Hounds used to hunt a greater portion of 

 the Carlow country, particularly in the vicinity of 

 Burton Hall, and Oak Park. When Sir John Power 

 held the reins of office in Kilkenny, he, periodically, 

 hunted the western portion of the country, and occa- 

 sionally Coolattin. About the year 1808, the late 

 Mr. John Watson, father of the present master, com- 

 menced to hunt foxes. Before then there were other 

 packs in the county, but they were disposed of soon 

 after Mr. Watson started his. A few years afterwards 

 it was thought desirable to start a subscription pack. 



