Established in 1859, 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 Master or Joint-Masters, 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. One of the earliest examples when the IMFHA had to engage in political lobbying came in the late 1970's when thousands of foxes were being indiscriminately trapped for their pelts. The healthy condition of Irish foxes created a lucrative export market for their skins. This was a cause of great concern to hunt clubs and the IMFHA. In some counties the fox population was almost totally obliterated. During this time, the IMFHA through its constituent members, closely monitored fox numbers and kept the Department of Agriculture informed.
In light of the growing demands upon the Association, the IMFHA decided in 1994 to amend its rules to permit the co-option of non-members to the Committee. Previously, the Committee was restricted to those who had at least three years experience as MFH (Master of Foxhounds). This has enabled the association to include amongst its ranks people with particular areas of expertise (legal, financial, media) to assist in looking after the interests of foxhunting.
The IMFHA maintains a close working relationship with the Department of Agriculture, liaising with the Department on a regular basis, as well as attending annual meetings to discuss any issues that may have arisen during the previous year.
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.