A VETERAN HUNTSMAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 1725, 11 April 1882, Page 2

A VETERAN HUNTSMAN.

The following letted is from a late number of the Field:— " Sir.—The following.brief details of a veteran spoitman's life will doubtless be interesting to marly {-=- ' Daniel Callaghan, familiarly knowfi as " Old Dan," now residing at mult, in thfc cunty of Cork, was borrt in the year 1763, at Ballyclougbj near Mallow. He first entered service at the age of U, as kennel boy to Lord Lisle for two years ; then as whip for" four years; then huntsman to Mf Lysaght (Lord Lisle's nephew) for seven years* during which time be wort six out of seven steeplechases j uext as huntsman to Mr Hugh Norcott, of Ballybeg, near Cahirmee, for eight years, next with Mr Hedges Eyre, of Macrooui Castle, as huntamau, for eight years ; then to Mr Power, of Clonmult, as huntsman for 37 years ; next to Mr Boles, of Springfield, as huntsman, for" four years; then to Mr Keane, of Shanagarry, a huntsman and horse trainer, for IB years, when at the ad* vanced age, 99 years, he gave up service and retired to his present abode. ' That bis great age is a bona fide matter is known to every gentleman irt the neighbourhood, and, to make the matter more sure, he has been piit to various tests j for instance, whfeo asked about the Irish Rebellion of '§g, he at once replied he remembered the battle of Vinegar-bill, adding that he was 35 years old at that time. He is utterly illiterate, and could not possibly invent thoae statements, which so exactly coincide that there can be no mistake about his age. 'He is still able to walk erect, and though his voice is strong and he is possessed of all his faculties, he is, of course, quite unable to earn ariythin". * He was a very daring and jealous rider, even when 90 years of age, and has had many bones broken from falls, ' From the foregoing it will be seen that this remarkable man was hunting hounds for over 80 years, and training horses when almost 100 years old. He is now in his 111th year. 'S. B.'"