Peaceful protest planned at Christmas hunt in Laois

A local protest is set to be mounted in Abbeyleix at the 2026 staging of the Laois Christmas hunt.

Rebecca Deegan, who says she is an artist, wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and student veterinary nurse from Laois, outlined what she is planning to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I am writing to notify you of a small protest that I am organising against Laois Hunt’s annual Stephen’s Day Hunt in Abbeyleix.

"In light of the recent bill, it is clear that the vast majority of Irish people are in support of a ban against the bloodsport of fox hunting. Those in support will continue their efforts to stop the cruelty and protect our beautiful native canine from this cruel 'pastime' with roots in British colonialism.

"The small, peaceful demonstration will involve banners, placards and leafleting, with the intention of simply being a visual presence in support of the fox, and to raise awareness of the cruelty, the history, and the alternatives to this practice to members of the public," she said.

Ms Deegan said others involved in animal welfare, rescue, and rehabilitation, and "those opposed to bloodsports wishing to show their support for an end to the cruelty" would attend.

She says the protest against the Christmas event is planned to begin at 11.30 am on December 26 at the Town Square in Abbeyleix.

Ms Deegan was critical of the 2024 event and publication of photos from the hunt by the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

READ ALSO: Laois Hunt defends fox hunting after criticism by local animal rescuer

The Laois Hunt is in existence for 200 years. Ballacolla farmer David Lalor is Master for 35 years. He spoke to the Leinster Express following the 2024 event.

“Fair play to wildlife volunteers, they are doing a good job, and I respect their views. I’m a farmer. A lot of the hunters are farmers. We respect wildlife, but we know it needs to be controlled more.

“The small number of foxes we do manage to catch is minuscule compared to what’s out there. Often, what we catch are the wounded foxes, or ones with mange.

“We look forward to the St Stephen’s Day hunt every year and the crowds that come look forward to it too.

“Hunting is extremely well-regulated now in Ireland. The fox has to be hunted in it’s natural state. The day of catching one and letting it off is gone. We have to find them. Catching the fox isn’t the object of the exercise, it’s seeing how the hounds work, they are bred for this for generations,” Mr Lalor said.

Hunting in Ireland grabbed the headlines in Ireland during the 2025 Presidential election when Heather Humphreys defended her support for the activity calling it a "rural pursuit".

The British Government has announced at the end of 2025 that it is to ban drag hunting. Fox hunting was banned by the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. It is still legal in Northern Ireland.