The Green Party has called for a boycott of the final day of the Kerrygold Horse Show following the announcement that the Cheese Hunt Chase is being held in support of fox-hunting.
Mr Gerry Boland, the party's animal welfare spokesman, said fox-hunting was a cruel, unnecessary blood sport, and the show, a prestigious international event, should not be promoting it. "I would urge people to boycott the last day of the Horse Show so they can send a clear message to the organisers about their outrageous final billing," he said.
He said it was "deeply upsetting" that the Kerrygold Horse Show should support an activity which was not publicly supported by Bord Failte. He said Bord Failte was now reduced to promoting foxhunting "by stealth", and international coverage of the event showing support for foxhunting here was harmful.
The 124th show opens today and runs until Sunday evening. More than 1,500 horses will be in the show rings and on the jumping arenas over the week, with horses and riders from 11 nations taking part. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.