HIKE PROGRAMME
June 2006
MEET:
Burgh Quay
|
DEPART:
Sundays
|
COST:
Private bus. €10
|
|
2-5 June: Bank Holiday Weekend Hillwalkers’ Trip
to Killarney |
|
11 June: Introductory Hard Hike Leader: Eoin
Moroney Route: Pier Gates * Lough Dan * Knocknacloghoge * Luggala * Distance: 19km Ascent:
850m |
|
18 June: Glenmacnass
Area Leader: Steve Buckney Route: Oldbridge * Scarr
* Glenmacnass Car Park * Distance: 18km Ascent:
900m |
|
25 June: Knocksink
Woods Please note:
There will be no Sunday Bus on the 25th, because of the Ring of Imaal Marathon the previous day! Further details for Ring of Imaal on page 6. Different
Meeting Time & Place:
Leader: Garry Byrne |
|
2 July: Introductory Hard Hike Leader: Jimmy McCullagh Route: Distance: 18km Ascent:
830m |
GENERAL HIKE NOTES
PARTICIPATION Mountaineering is an activity with a
danger of personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept
these risks. People who take part in our club activities do so at their own
risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement.
INTRODUCTORY HIKES An Introductory Hike is organised once
per month for aspirant members. Participants on these hikes must be a member of
An Óige.
CO-ORDINATION Tickets are given out on Sundays to ensure that
participants reserve a bus place as they arrive.
LEADER The leader has the right to refuse anyone
who is not adequately equipped (e.g.,
without appropriate boots, rainwear, food, torch, hat, gloves, etc). The leader
may alter the route from that described in the program. The leader sets the
pace of the hike and walkers are expected to obey the leader’s instructions at
all times.
TORCH During winter months it is essential to bring a
(head) torch on all Sunday hikes. Check your batteries / bulb.
ENVIRONMENT Try to reduce the erosion and widening of trails,
e.g. do not walk on the edge of worn tracks; walk through the centre of the
original track or go several meters into the scruff where the ground is untrodden, walking parallel to but not on the track.
LITTER Litter is unsightly and dangerous to animals. Even
bio-degradable items like orange peels and banana skins take years to
disappear. Bring all your litter home and try to include at least one extra
item from each day out. Do not bury litter – animals will dig it up.
WALKING STICKS In the interest of safety and comfort please keep the
pointed end of your walking stick covered, especially when travelling on the bus.
HIKE LEADERS If any
member is interested in leading a hike, please contact:
Garry Byrne
Mark Campion
SUNDAY ADVENTURE
HILLWALKERS
GO A-RAFTING
There were some
moans about the pace from a well-known committee member during the fairly stiff
climb from Ballylusk to Carrick summit. But that was
soon forgotten as we settled down to a nice collection of downhill woodland
paths, before exiting onto tarmac for about half a km. Next was Ballinastraw Wood. The short-cut entry went a little awry,
and there were some expletives about thorns from those using shorts. But this
became ancient history as we settled down to lunch in the warm sun under Garryduff Crag. We could have stayed there all day, but we
were not faring well on the Naismith scale, so we had
to move on.
Cronybyrne, with its fine variation of deciduous and
conifer trees, is always a joy to visit. In fact, we only took in a corner of
this fine wood. When tracking uphill heading for the road, Sandra was
unfortunate enough to snag her head on a very dangerous piece of barbed wire in
a fence post stay. Ali displayed her best nursing skills, got to work on the
scalp wound, and did a great job. No combing of hair allowed for at least 3
weeks!
After a short
road walk, we were in forest again. The gradient was noticeable as we toiled up
Glenwood. There is a Tolkienesque path here which
follows a ditch until you break out into the open heather. There we picked up a
track which leads eventually to Trooperstown Hill.
Once over Trooperstown, we rolled downhill to the
forest road. A narrow gorse-lined track brought us downhill to Ballard Wood.
A small raft was
constructed using kayaks and platforms. The 'ferry' was roped across the river
with three aboard each time. A well-known committee member did express some
hydrophobic concerns, but with encouragement, he eventually agreed to make the
crossing. And so the group arrived at Lynams, dry
shod, and with a healthy thirst. Jim's meter was running out, so the stop was
short, but it really was a nice ending to a memorable day.
Brian Madden
INSIDE THE COMMITTEE
Chairperson
There have been
many fine chairpersons working on behalf of the club over the last fourteen
years including Jim Barry, Martin Fagan, and Donal
Finn. Last October I took over the chairmanship from Prionnsias
MacAnBheatha. At that stage I had served five years
as a committee member. I see my chairmanship as continuing with what they and
their committees had initiated, with their many activities that they started
along with the high standards they maintained.
I organise
monthly committee meetings with a set agenda. Issues are discussed and
decisions made by the committee. To maintain the well-being of the club, I see
healthy finances as one priority. Without this solid foundation many of our
activities would at least be curtailed if not ended.
We busily work at
keeping our members informed through our monthly newsletter, our Hillwalkers’ website, and the new section on the An Óige website dedicated to the Hillwalkers’
Club. Added to this, we email and text our members regularly.
Sunday walks are
a core activity of the club and forthcoming walks are agreed at these meetings.
The weekends away have to be planned long in advance, we need to know who will
lead the hike, what area in which to stay, the cost involved and will they
attract sufficient numbers for it to be worthwhile to run. The club is active
in organising trips abroad; so far this year we have been to
The use of Sunday
bus is a loss-making activity. However, its use is central to the weekly
activity of the club. It is also environmentally friendly and I would be very
reluctant to cease using it.
We are also
involved in the larger An Óige association. The club
organises the ‘JB Malone Memorial Walk’ each year. This year, many committee members
and members of the club will assist in the organisation of the long distance
‘Ring of Imaal Walk’ in June. Over the years, we also
have contributed financially to the upkeep of a number of hostels.
Recently, the
committee has taken a decision to conduct a survey of members based on how they
view the club. We hope to have this in the July Newsletter. It is important
that members participate in this survey. We are also intending to advertise in
Walking World Ireland for new members. Ongoing publicity is critical in order
to encourage new people to become members of the club.
Probably the most
important contribution is that the club is there for its members. We will
continue with social functions like musical evenings, greyhound nights and the
Christmas Party. These events create a social outlet so members can socialise
with friends and possibly make happy unions for the future!
Frank Rooney
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
68th An Óige
Photographic Group’s Exhibition of Members’ Work
Date: Wednesday 28th June –
Venue:
Opening Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Free
Contact: An Óige Head Office
Tel: 01-8304555
AUGUST BANK
Six-day trip to
English Lake District
Limited number of
places available
Contact: Frank
Rooney
email rooneyf@eircom.ie
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We would like to
hear from you!
Whether you …
• wish to contribute an article …
• have read an
interesting book you'd like to recommend to club members …
• would like to share your favourite
hikes …
• want to comment on any club matters …
Why not get in
touch? Write or email to:
Barbara Sudrow, 24 Glenmalure Park,
S.C.R.,
EMAIL ALERT: in cases where the electronic newsletter bounces
back, we will send the paper version by post. We would therefore ask any
members who currently do not receive this newsletter in ELECTRONIC FORMAT but
wish to do so in future, to send a short message to the above email address
from a VALID EMAIL ACCOUNT.
SOCIAL CORNER
REPORT: STONEYBATTER PUB-CRAWL
The last social
event was a repeat of the first ever event. We reinacted
the pub crawl held in Stoneybatter in November 2004.
This one was held
on Friday 19 May this year. As with the original, the crowds gathered at Kavanagh’s Pub on
All in all, there
were about 15 attendees, including two women. Continuing with comparisons, this
was about half the number of participants of the original PC. A vote was taken
at some undetermined time by some of the group, and a preference to stay where
we were, was expressed when the suggestion to move on was broached. We had by
this time muscled our way into a large area of prime spot chairs and tables, so
the idea had a certain appeal.
As far as could
be ascertained, everyone enjoyed themselves. This is based largely on the fact
that we were still in the place at throwing out time. A rumour has since
surfaced, that a radical break away group continued on afterwards at Doyles pub in town, but I wouldn't know anything about
that…
Steve Buckney
FILM NIGHT:
No definite date
has been set for this yet; further details either in the next newsletter or by email
circular.
Suggestions
welcome!
Please contact
our Social Organiser.
BBQ and Ice Cream Party
In aid of Down Syndrome
Date: Saturday, 10th June
Venue: Edenderry, Co. Offaly
Informal Party,
bring drink, musical instruments and sleeping bags. B&B accommodation also
available: Auburn Lodge (046-9731319),
Hogans (046-9732021), Fishermans
Rest (046-9731297), (PJ Foys (046-9731027), Bella
Vista (046-9731179); bus connection to Edenderry.
Contact: Helen
Coyne for address details etc. or Gerry to arrange a lift.
Midsummer Madness Quiz!!!
Mount Kilimanjaro
Challenge for
Terry Cartin and John Sheehy will host
a jumbo quiz like no other!
Venue: The
Teachers Club,
Date: Friday, 23rd June
Time:
Cost: €10 per person
Membership 2005-2006
Many
thanks to the 120 hikers who have renewed their club membership for the current
year (
Remember that …
• … you have to be a member of the Hillwalkers' Club to avail of the special bus for Sunday
Hikes.
• … only paid-up members will receive
the newsletter by post, email or both.
• … the renewal form is located at the
end of the printed newsletter and on the website.
CLUB NEWS
Get Well Wishes: Two long-standing members of the Hillwalkers Club, Noel Kerley and
Jim Glynn, have recently spent time in hospital.
We would like to
take this opportunity to wish both the very best for a speedy recovery.
LONG DISTANCE WALKS
A selection of
dates for your diary! Further information can be found on Simon Stewart’s
website: www.simonstewart.ie
Galtees Walk,
A
pleasant introductory challenge with 1300m of climbing in the Galtees (Limerick/Tipperary).
Comeragh Crossing,
The longer
challenge must be rated as medium with 1900m climbing traversing the Comeraghs.
Contact: Mike
Power, email: mpower@cablesurf.com
Climb a mountain, Raise a flag
Arthritis Ireland
are looking for 50 teams to simultaneously climb 50 peaks to fly the flag in
aid of the 5000 children in Ireland affected by juvenile arthritis.
Contact:
Arthritis
An Óige
Ring of Imaal
This event has
been scheduled for
Base
Venue:
Registration: 07.00hrs to
08.30hrs only
(Pre-Registration
details below)
Entry
Fee: €12.00
The event, which
can take from
Route: Donard Village
- Davidstown - Brusselstown
Ring - Keadeen Mtn - Ballinfoyle - Ballinabarney Gap -
Ballineddan Mtn - Slieve Maan - Lugnaquillia
Mtn - Camenabologue Mtn - Table Track - Table Mtn -
Wexford Gap - Cavanagh's Gap - Lobawn
- Track to Bolton's Yard - Road walk back to Donard
National School.
Participants will
be expected to have reached Table Track by no later than 1700hrs.
Total
Distance: 35 km Ascent: 1800 m
Contact: Jim Barry through An Óige
Head Office (01-8304555) or at 085-1744186 / 01-4556455 (evenings only).
Pre-Registration
Option from 1st May 2006.
To request the Registration Form, email marketing@anoige.ie.
Further details available from the An Óige website: www.anoige.ie
The Hart Walk
The year
2006 marks the 120th anniversary of the legendary 111k (70 miles) trek by Henry
Chichester Hart from the Terenure tram station on Terenure Rd., East, to Glenmalure
Lodge, then up to Lugnaquilla, Conavalla,
Tonelegee and Mullaghcleevaun,
down to Ballynultagh, over Ballysmuttan
bridge and back to Terenure. His goal (the result of a fifty guinea wager)
was to complete the trek within 24 hours.
He did so in 23 hours 50 minutes.
Since that time
only fifteen people have completed the course, among them Tom Milligan (An Óige Hillwalkers / Ramblers) and
Sandra Brady (An Óige Hillwalkers).
However, in
recent years the walk has been resurrected and each August sees a small band
head off on a sunny Friday evening in another attempt to emulate Mr. Hart. This year will be no exception. On the evening of Friday 4th August at
If instead you
would be available to drop our bags/boots to Glenmalure
at
Contact: Phone:
01-2883312 / 086-0826857 or email: tomilligan@eircom.net
Text adapted from
an article by Tom Milligan