Sir, - During a St. Stephen's Day protest against fox-hunting in Co Waterford, a huntsman had his hat knocked off an accidental occurrence, we understand. Hunt supporters are dining out on this incident. Already, on one local radio debate on fox-hunting, this has been brought up to illustrate what they (the fox-hunters) perceive to be "violence" against their kind.
Having one's hat knocked off must indeed be a traumatic thing for a huntsman. One hopes that this poor guy will get over this shocking incident, and will not have to relive the awful experience in his dreams. One hopes it will not lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Complaining about having your hat knocked off is akin to the class bully who, when he/she gets a tiny tip, is the one who will go roaring and whingeing to teacher. It is indeed an interesting insight into fox-hunters. They can sure dish out the cruelty; out there hounding, terrorising and killing small, wild animals in typical bully fashion, but when a hat gets knocked oft, boy what a fuss!
Having a hat knocked off pales into insignificance when compared with having a hunt supporter bash a chair down on your head, occasioning a stay in hospital and several stitches. This is what happened to one of our supporters at a public meeting on fox-hunting in Cork in recent years. - Yours, etc.
Spokesperson, Irish Council Against Blood Sports, PO Box 147, Cork.