A man who had to be airlifted from the Portarlington Lions Club Hunt recently was recovering in hospital over the weekend.
Over 80 horses and riders were taking part in the ninth annual chase, organised by the local Lions Club, when the man in his sixties was taken iill.
The man is understood to have got from his mount on the Portlaoise Road before an ambulance was called to assist him.
The ambulance then took him to the nearby GAA grounds and an air corps helicopter arrived within the hour.
The man was airlifted the man to St James’s Hospital in Dublin, where he is understood to have undergone surgery on Sunday evening.
The man is believed to be an avid horse rider who takes part in numerous hunts during the autumn months in various parts of the country with North Kildare Hunt.
It is understood that he has an underlying health condition.
Gerry Dunne of Portarlington Lions Club said they were very glad that they were able to help the man.
Helpful
“A lot of our followers and supporters were extremely helpful,” Mr Dunne said.
He added that Portarlington Lions Club is very grateful to everyone who assisted them.
The event also raised significant funds for the local Lions club to distribute in the community.
“We raised €3,000 which will now be distributed to the less-well-off in our area,” he said.
He thanked all those who had help make the jumps on the route for the hunt. No dogs or animals are involved in the event, apart from the riders and horses.
“We were extremely lucky with the weather – it was a fine day. The local farmers are also extremely good to us and let us use their land. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” he said.
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