A country fair organised by the Countryside Alliance Ireland has been defended by organisers and tourism interests against criticism by anti-blood sports campaigners.
The fair in Clonmel next month has been condemned as a "cruelty promotion fest" by the Irish Council for Blood Sports (ICBS). However, the organisers and South East Tourism, which is funding it, said no coursing or hunting would be taking placet.
The brochure lists activities as clay pigeon shooting, children's entertainment, fly fishing demonstration, dog agility contest, falconry display, medieval archery, gundog events, terrier racing, and sheepdog demonstrations.
It has been organised by Countryside Alliance Ireland in partnership with the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers, the Irish Deer Society and the Irish Coursing Club.
Yesterday the Irish Council Against Blood Sports said the festival included hunts with hounds, coursing and greyhounds. "We understand that also on show at this event will be lurcher and terriers which are used by thugs to cruelly hunt down and kill hares and foxes," Ms Aideen Yourell of the ICBS said.
She said the festival was a vehicle for the promotion, sanitisation and funding of cruel blood sport activities.
The chief executive of South East Tourism, Mr Joe Palmer said they were very happy to give local people their support for the National County Fair. No hunting or coursing would take place.
A statement from Countryside Alliance Ireland said the event was intended as a celebration of the rural way of life in Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland's name is on the brochure as a sponsor of the festival.
A spokesman said Fáilte Ireland allocated grants to regional tourism centres so they could fund their own local events.