1 94 IRISH SPORT AND SPORTSMEN. 



Alas! that the survivors of that 'veteran band' are now reduced 

 to very few indeed ; but, though long since compelled to abandon 

 the hunting-field, they have, I am sure, preserved — mentally at 

 least — all the enthusiasm of younger days, I have been endea- 

 vouring to bring before my mind's eye the names and present 

 position of those who constituted what I will designate as the ' old 

 guard,' and I regret very much to say that I cannot count up more 

 than the few whose names I give, but who, I am sure, are quite 

 willing to adopt the old saying, ' we have had our day,' and who, 

 all being nearly entitled to the venerable designation of octo- 

 genarians, are quite willing to wish their successors joy of the 

 sport in which they were for such a length of time participators. 



" I will begin with the name of that thorough sportsman, John 

 Bouchier of Baggottstown, still hale and hearty, and surrounded 

 by a family of whom any parent might be proud ; Henry Croker 

 of Dromkeen is the oldest, I believe, of the number who, being 

 long out of the saddle, are still strong, though much less active 

 than formerly, from the effects either of gout or rheumatism. He 

 tries to compensate himself for the loss of former enjoyment by 

 the discharge of his social duties, both as a landlord and domes- 

 tically, in such a manner as to entitle him to the respect and esteem 

 of all with whom he comes in contact. Then comes Captain J. 

 Low of Sunville, in the same position physically as Mr. Croker, 

 and entitled to the same meed of praise for his private qualities ; 

 Hugh Massy, now living at Ballinacurra, near Limerick, who has 

 for many years been patiently reconciled to one of the greatest 

 physical afflictions to which our poor humanity is subject; Captain 

 Ralph Westropp, now and for some time residing at Kingstown, 

 hale and hearty, and whose absence from this county is deeply 

 deplored by all who had the good fortune to be counted among 

 his friends. While living in his pretty cottage at Athlacca he 

 dispensed the hospitalities of his establishment in princely style, 

 and his charities were indiscriminate and unbounded. May he 

 live as long as all his Limerick friends would wish. J. Gubbins of 

 Ballincollon, who, in point of age, is, I believe, entitled to priority, 

 still preserves all the glorious qualities of a veteran sportsman, 

 and, like Uncle Toby, feels a special delight in fighting all his 

 battles over again. The last I will name, and I am almost sure 

 the last that could be named, is William Cox of Ballynoe, who of 

 all mentioned wears his age the best, as proof of which, and of 



