Mass on the feast of Saint Hubert is followed by the blessing of the Kilfeacle beagle hunt hounds.
According to tradition Saint Hubert was a French nobleman of the middle ages. When hunting he encountered a stag with a crucifix between its antlers. This experience turned him to a life of God.
In the Roman Catholic Church he is known as the patron saint of sportspeople, hunters, and dogs. The feast day of Saint Hubert is held on 3 November and celebrated in Europe with colourful ceremonies. This date also marks the official start to the hunting season.
Since 1958 Saint Patrick's Church in Kilfeacle has observed the Feast of Saint Hubert. On 7 November 1963 a special mass of Saint Hubert is celebrated by the parish priest the Very Reverend William Hogan. Lieutenant Colonel PC Blake, Master of the Kilfeacle beagle hunt is also present.
The blessing of the hounds takes place after the mass. This ceremony was introduced to Ireland by the Kilfeacle beagle hunt and Kilfeacle is the only place in the country where it is held.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 November 1963. The footage shown here is mute.
