The Irish Masters of
Foxhounds Association

Established in 1845, the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association (IMFHA) represents the interests of 42 registered foxhunting packs in Ireland. A register of each hunt, its Masters, Hunt Staff and Honorary Secretary is published each year and is maintained by the Honorary Secretary of the IMFHA. Each registered pack of foxhounds has its own defined territory or hunt country and the hunt kennels are usually situated in the heart of that country. In essence and in practice, the hunt club is bound through its Masters or Joint Masters or Hunt Committee, to the rules and decisions of the IMFHA. Before his/her appointment, a new Master must be approved by the Committee of the IMFHA. In recent times the IMFHA has found itself dealing more and more with issues concerning conservation, national and European legislation, media relations, finance and political lobbying. ​ The IMFHA regularly reaches out to members of the non-hunting community in a variety of ways from manning a stand at the Dublin Horse Show, to facilitating universities by providing knowledgeable speakers to attend university debates and by providing interviewees to the media in general. The IMFHA and its members also meet with local farming organisations to ensure a good working relationship. Without the continued co-operation and support of the farming community, hunting and particularly foxhunting, would cease to exist.