Despite the illogical Ban on coursing by Blair's Labour government in 2005 the sport has continued to thrive and be enjoyed in Ireland. British coursing supporters still travel to the ports of Rosslare, Dublin or Belfast and some bring runners to compete for the valuable prizes at the major meetings.
Since I became a teenager I got much enjoyment from watching lurchers, collies or greyhounds chasing hares in meadows or foothills. The nearest tracks to me were at Derry and Lifford but I did not see any racing until I was almost twenty years of age. I did however read about big races that were run at tracks in Belfast and Dublin. I gradually had thoughts or dreams of going as far south as Clounanna the great meadow where the Irish Coursing Cup was staged.
The hares there were noted for their strength and stamina.and the majority were able to outwit the hounds. Their fitness was due to the efforts and enthusiasm of all of the committee, stewards, and landowners. They ensured that, when the pasture was frozen, sheaves of oats were provided for the hares. At coursing meetings, it was not uncommon to see a pair of hounds stop for a rest whenever a tired hare rested.
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