Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, a solid supporter of country sports, has said that country sports are still very much a central family tradition in the Ards.
He said: “The Foxhounds met as they traditionally do on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and this year was no different. This year as with other years the turnout was significant with families and children in attendance and all following the hounds as well as the many horses and red jackets on display at the event.
“Across the Ards, shooting is the sport of many young and old, bringing families from each and every community together. It really is such a thrill and it provides you with a super meal at the end of the day…roast pigeon, duck and the most divine of all the birds, the woodcock.
“I have been shooting since I was 18 years of age, it was a tradition handed down from father to son and now from son to granddaughter, Katie, who was hunting a pheasant and duck on Boxing Day. There is a strong tradition of shooting, families, friendships in the Ards and good times, and long may it last.”
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