The foxes of Co Limerick might have hoped for an early respite from the weekly intrusion of the Fedamore Harriers hunt following the theft of most of the club's hounds last week.
But the club, based 10 miles south of Limerick city, has continued its Sunday afternoon hunt by borrowing hounds from surrounding clubs.
"It was vital to get going last Sunday. If it had stalled, it would have been a defeat," said master of the hounds Mr Patsy Hurley.
He discovered the theft of 25 of the club's 36 thoroughbred harriers last Thursday. He said they were taken during a storm when their barking would not be heard.
The club has offered a reward for the recovery of its noisy canine members, and the Irish Foot Harriers Association has warned members to beware of offers of hounds for sale.
Mr Andrew Clohessy, secretary of the Fedamore Harriers, said the club was offering a "substantial" reward for information leading to the recovery of the hounds, which are worth up to £7,000. Two years ago 11 dogs were stolen from the same kennels, which is set in an isolated area off the Limerick-Bruff road.
"There are no houses near us. That is the reason we got the site. It is well in off the road," Mr Clohessy said.
Gardai in Ballyneety have appealed for witnesses to any usual activity in the area involving a transit van or a cow box to come forward.
A spokesman said that because of the din the hounds would make, they would have to be held in a secure location.
Mr Hurley said he discovered the locks broken on the main kennel gate on Thursday, and all of the kennels open. Only 11 hounds, which had probably bolted when they were released, remained of the original pack. "The best of the hounds are gone," he said.