Barbaric bloodsport or way of life: Are coursing's days numbered? 

To many, hare coursing is a barbaric bloodsport that should be banned. But to the 30,000 punters, owners, breeders, and trainers who gathered at an Irish Coursing Club (ICC) annual three-day event, it’s a way of life

Hare coursing: Over 30,000 punters, trainers, owners and breeders attended the ICC's three-day event.  Picture : Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

It’s a sunny day and James Kelleher is standing in the rear car park of Clonmel’s Powerstown Park racecourse, glancing nervously towards a paddock where dogs are being walked in advance of their competition.

Once his dog goes through the small gate at the end of the compound, in a matter of just over 12 seconds, one way or another, it will all be over for James, a trainer from Macroom.