Posted on 01/04/2026 4:16:09 PM PST by nickcarraway
Large crowds gathered in Kells, County Meath, Ireland, on St Stephen’s Day as the town hosted its traditional hunt meet, which proceeded shortly after a proposed ban on hunting with hounds was defeated in the Dáil.
Riders assembled in the town centre before midday, accompanied by spectators who lined the streets to watch the annual departure. The event took place in a festive atmosphere and attracted families and visitors from across the region. The timing of the hunt placed it at the centre of renewed national attention, coming just days after parliament rejected legislation that would have outlawed the practice.
Those attending described a substantial turnout of riders and members of the public, with horses moving through the town under Garda supervision to manage traffic and ensure public safety. No incidents were reported.
Supporters of the hunt emphasised the social significance of the St Stephen’s Day meet, describing it as a longstanding rural tradition associated with the Christmas period rather than solely a sporting event. For many, the annual gathering serves as a focal point for community life. Local businesses reported increased activity, with cafés and shops benefitting from the influx of visitors drawn into the town.
The hunt took place shortly after the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill was debated and rejected in the Dáil earlier this month. The Private Members’ Bill was introduced by People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger.
The proposal sought to amend the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to prohibit the hunting of foxes with hounds, effectively banning the practice nationwide. Advocates argued that hunting causes unnecessary suffering and should no longer be permitted under modern animal welfare standards. The bill was put to a vote on December 17 and was defeated by 124 votes to 24, meaning hunting with hounds remains legal under existing legislation.
Animal welfare organisations criticised the continuation of the hunt following the parliamentary vote, arguing that public events reinforce a practice they believe should be prohibited. Campaign groups have indicated they will continue to seek legislative change.
Hunting organisations and rural representatives welcomed the defeat of the bill, stating that the outcome reflected recognition of hunting’s place in regulated wildlife management and rural heritage. They maintain that hunts operate within established legal frameworks. Public opinion remains sharply divided, with contrasting views often reflecting broader urban and rural differences.
Gardaí were present in Kells to oversee traffic management and public safety as horses passed through populated areas. Authorities confirmed that the event passed without disruption.
While this year’s St Stephen’s Day hunt proceeded lawfully and without incident, the wider political debate surrounding hunting with hounds is expected to continue. Campaigners on both sides have signalled that the issue is likely to return to the legislative agenda. For now, the turnout in Kells highlights the enduring support for the tradition within rural communities, even as pressure for reform persists. The event once again underscored the ongoing tension between cultural heritage and evolving attitudes to animal welfare in Ireland.
outlawing fox hunts for the English would be like outlawing sagging pants to US blacks.
George Washington would approve.
I’d happily do that if I were in charge. And to prove I’m not racist, I would outlaw sagging pants for Whites too.
Fox hunting has been illegal in England since 2004.
HOW ABOUT THE “PILE OF TARANTULAS” HAIR?
PEOPLE CALL THAT A ‘HAIR DO’.
I CALL IT A”HAIR DON’T”.
The hair doesn’t bother me. I just don’t want to walk around a corner and find myself looking at some dude’s crack because he can’t wear pants that fit.
A bunch of urban Karen’s trying to tell rural folk how to act.
Oscar Wilde called it “the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable”.
(Actually, I have nothing at all against fox hunting. Plenty of people enjoy it. I’d certainly never try to have it banned.)
Next they’ll want to outlaw the clubbing of baby seals.
Class jealousy runs deep
Start up muzzie hunts, sure to get a lot of participation.
Leave the foxes alone.
I can distinguish between homosexuals and faggotry but I’ve noticed the two often go hand-in-hand.
Muslims and/or Africans have absolutely no business in Ireland.
F-Fox’s On The Run.....!
Sweet.
This is in Ireland.
Agreed.
Beautiful, you wild and crazy guy.
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