Hunts in Northern Ireland raise money for local charities

Over the festive period many hunts ran events to raise money for charity. Supporters of the Fermanagh Harriers and Tynan & Armagh hunts raised over £4100 through separate events.

The Tynan & Armagh Hunt organised a charity children’s fun ride this year where a large crowd with over 120 horses and ponies took part. Riders, with varying degrees of experience, gathered to ride over private land thanks to the generosity of local landowners who wanted to help with the event.

All gave very generously raising over £2500 for two local charities, the Air Ambulance NI who provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland which has saved countless lives since taking off in 2017, and Riding for the Disabled who provide people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities with access to horses.

The Fermanagh Harriers - the oldest registered harrier pack in the British Isles - also raised a fantastic £1600 again for the Air Ambulance NI during their Boxing Day meet. With hounds in tow, riders of all ages made their way proudly through Enniskillen town centre to the applause of their many supporters lining the route.

Pictured: Representatives of the Fermanagh Harriers presenting a cheque to the Air Ambulance NI.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, praised hunts and their supporters for their generosity and community spirit. Hunts across the country recognise the difficulties that local and national charities face with the cost-of-living crisis, so they have continued to fundraise and support those who benefit from the work of such incredible organisations.

The Air Ambulance is close to the heart of not only horse riders but all those who take part in active sports or who are involved in accidents or sudden life threatening conditions.

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, and a former joint-master of the BHWC said:

"It is wonderful to see members of the hunting community making a generous donation to this fabulous charity which provides such a valuable service across Northern Ireland. We all hope that we will never require this service but it is a great comfort knowing that it is available if needed and that wouldn't be possible without the generosity of groups like the Fermanagh Harriers raising funds to help the community."