MATTHEW LLOYD,
Madam, - I was delighted to read the "Follow the Hunt" feature by Grania Willis in your edition of December 24th, but it was only a matter of time (11 days, in this case) before you printed an angry response from some censorious soul who, because she disapproves of hunting, believes everybody else (including your contributors) should live according to her conscience.
The mere fact that "blood sports" elicit such a purse-lipped, peevish reaction from such people makes hunting worth supporting. This is quite apart from the fact that it is a "rocking" good way to get through the Irish winters, is a sustainable activity good for the rural economy, and promotes environmental and social diversity. My pleasure in hunting is enhanced in no small measure by the knowledge that it enrages priggish and illiberal people. Congratulations on running the gauntlet of the anti-hunt fundamentalists. Hats off to you. More, please! - Yours, etc.,
MATTHEW LLOYD, Ardoyne House, Pembroke Park, Dublin 4.