HIKE PROGRAMME
September 2007
MEET: Burgh
Quay
|
DEPART: Sundays
10.00 am
|
COST: Private
bus. €12 (unless stated otherwise)
|
2nd pick-up
point: The bus picks up walkers who are already at the designated point and
won’t be stopping and waiting. Walkers must ensure that they are there in good
time for the bus. Places cannot be guaranteed as the bus may be full at Burgh
Quay. In addition, the bus may be
travelling back to town by a different route, so set down places on the return
journey may differ from those of the outward journey.
9 September 2007 ---SPECIAL
HIKE ---Blackstairs
Mount Leinster Maps: Sheet 68 Leader: Paul Carroll 2nd
pick-up point: Pond
at Sean Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass Route: Scullogue Gap * Knockroe *
Mount Leinster * Blackrock Mountain * Ballycrystal. Distance: 19km Ascent: 780m NB: · Earlier meeting time of 9.30am sharp · There
will be a stop on the return journey for a meal · Cost:
€15 |
16 September 2007 ---Classic
Lugnaquilla Maps: Sheet 56 and 62 Leader: Jimmy McCullagh 2nd
pick-up point: Pond
at Sean Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass Route: Aughavannagh Bridge * South
Prison * Lugnaquilla * Fraughan Rock Glen * Barravore Car Park. Distance: 18km Ascent: 750m |
23 September 2007 ---Reservoir
Views Maps: Sheet
56 Leader:
Steve
Buckney 2nd
pick-up point: Pond
at Sean Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass Route:
CP
(GR 995 129) * Carrig * Lugnagun * Sorrel Hill * Ballynultagh Gap *
Forest * Black Hill (SH 541) * Mullaghcleevaun * Track by Ballyhemusboy Brook
to Ballynultagh and Forest Entrance (GR 058 118). Distance: 20km Ascent: 800m |
30 September 2007 --- Circuit
of the Avonmore Valley Maps: Sheet 56 Leader: Garry Byrne 2nd
pick-up point: Bus
stop before the roundabout at Loughlinstown Route: Trooperstown * Ballylug * Vale
of Clara * Kirikee * Shay Elliott * Tracks and Ragman’s Path * Laragh. Distance: 21km Ascent: 680m |
7 October 2007 ---Introductory
Hillwalker Hike Maps: Sheet 56 Leader: Brendan McGee 2nd
pick-up point: Pond
at Sean Moore Park on Tallaght By-Pass. Route: Liffey Valley Road @
GR 098 135 * Coronation Plantation * Gravale * Carrigvore * Luggala
* Knocknacloghoge * Pier Gates. Distance: 19km Ascent: 800m |
GENERAL HIKE NOTES
INTRODUCTORY
HIKES An
Introductory Hike is organised once per month for aspirant members. Any
participant on these hikes must be a member of An Óige.
LITTER Litter is
unsightly and dangerous to animals. 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.
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.
WALKING STICKS AND RUCKSACKS Remember that walking sticks and rucksacks
cannot be brought onto the bus and must be stowed away in the boot during the
journey.
HIKE LEADERS Any club
member interested in leading a hike, please contact:
Garry Byrne
OUT ON THE TRAILS
Kenmare August 2007
17
HIKERS EXPLORE THE HILLS OF KERRY
I could summarise
our trip to Kenmare in one phrase – work hard, play hard. We certainly did some long and rewarding
hikes but sampled everything that Kenmare had to offer social wise as
well. Pearse Foley had told me that he
lost a half stone on the Wales trip at Easter and I headed off for the six day
trip to Kenmare thinking that mightn’t be a bad thing. One small difference was that Kenmare is
bursting with restaurants and any good intentions ended after I discovered that
they served scrambled egg and smoked salmon for breakfast in the Bistro beside
the hostel.
Day
1
On the Thursday
(day one), seven of the more enthusiastic of the group left Dublin bright and
early and headed to Gougane Barra for the first hike of the trip. Half a circuit later (cut to half only
because of thoughts of dinner) we decided to take the short cut down, which
turned out to be rather exciting. This
involved manoeuvring ourselves down a very steep gorge and we were all rather
proud of ourselves when we got to the end, as we pretty much had to come down
on our rears and this was done under a haze of midgets (I’m getting itchy again
just thinking about them). The rest of
our group arrived later that evening and we all settled in for a good night of
hostel sleep; the usual ear plugs go a long way.
Day
2
Day two we hit
Gleninchiquin, 10 miles south of Kenmare on the Beara Road and did a 20 km hike
around there. One angry farmer later
this hike was completed. This might
have had something to do with the fact that said farmer had developed some
walks around this area and was charging €5 a head to use these – we preferred the
good old non-tracked and free version ourselves.
Day
3
On Saturday we
were joined by Jimmy McCullagh who was holidaying in that part of the country
and who’s going to be moving there permanently in the near future (Good Luck
with the move Jimmy and thanks for leading this hike). The weather let us down that day and not all
of us made it to the top of Eagle Mountain.
A few hardy members certainly did but I’m afraid to say the summer berry
pancakes in Caherdaniel seemed like a better option for the afternoon to me
(it’s always good to support local businesses when in small, rural towns). Probably because of the short hike that day,
there was no lack of energy that night and Brian (on guitar) entertained both
us and the rest of Crowleys late into the night. He was of course helped out by a few others once the pints were
flowing and we had a roaring sing song that I’m sure won’t be forgotten in
Kenmare for a while.
Day
4
Any thoughts of
getting off lightly the next day were soon banished when we saw the glorious
sunshine and stunning views around Broaghnabinnia and Stumpa Dúlaigh. We were put through our paces on an 8 hour
hike that day which included a 1,200m ascent and finished with an optional swim
in the waterfall. Personally I
preferred looking at the waterfall but a brave few jumped underneath, which I’m
sure cured any lingering fatigue from the night before.
Day
5
I think I’ll
remember Monday’s hike for a while yet, four steep ascents and descents (I
initially thought Mark was joking when he said this) which included Knocklomena
and Boughil. More stunning scenery –
Kerry is now top of my list of favourite counties in Ireland, it really has it
all in terms of mountains, lakes and coastline. A few of our comrades departed for Dublin that evening, namely
the French contingent and Aisling. I
must give a special mention to the French group actually as we all agreed that
their enthusiasm, energy and good spirit was infectious to the entire group. Every day they found something amazing about
each walk and were not shy in showing their delight at this. Every trip needs such enthusiasm (Armand -
we’ll fly you to Ireland for the next trip).
Barbara – I’ll never be able to say your name again, it just has to be
in song with a French accent (Bar-Bar-Am, Bar-Bar-Am).
Day
6
On Tuesday, the
final day, the reduced group headed to Killarney and in particular Muckross
Lake and Torc Mountain which we attacked from the west ridge. The group got smaller as the day went on and
a small group of us completed this six hour hike. This meant a late trip back to Dublin but why would you have it
any other way when it was once again a glorious day. I think I’ll remember Ireland’s 2007 summer as the six days I
spent in Kenmare (it did rain one day but we’ve forgotten about that) as I’m
sitting back in Dublin with my farmer’s tan.
We were very lucky with the weather as I’m not even sure the rest of the
country got these few nice days.
I’ll finish up
with a quote from one of the others in the group who said to me at the end of
the trip – ‘I never thought I could have such a good time on a trip away
without my friends’. Particular thanks
to Mark for some stunning hikes around his home county and to Garry and Gerry
for helping out. And a special mention
to Con – the fittest though not the youngest of the group and certainly the
most knowledgeable on many a subject but especially the mountains of Kerry.
Deirdre
Muldowney
CLUB NEWS
October
Bank Holiday Weekend
Dates: 26th - 29th October 2007
Accommodation: Armagh City Hostel
Meals: 3 nights B&B plus 2 evening meals
Leaders: Frank Rooney & Brendan Magee
For
full details see below!
Booking
now open!
~~~
Membership
2007-2008
The new
membership year will begin on 1st October 2007 (to 30th September 2008).
The new membership
form is available to download by clicking on the Membership
Form link on the menu on the left.
~~~
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., Dublin 8, barbarasudrow@eircom.net
TRAINING COURSE
Map & Compass 2007
This course will
include three evening sessions, each of two hours duration, which will be held
in An Óige Headquarters, Mountjoy Street. In addition, there are two weekend
training sessions as well as one night navigation hike, all based in the
Wicklow mountains. Accommodation for the two Wicklow weekends will be provided
in the Glendalough Hostel.
Cost: €125
Organisers: Donal
Finn & Tom Kenny
Contact: An
Óige Head Office, 01-8304555
Full details of
map & compass programme below.
Annual General Meeting
An Óige
Hillwalkers Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on:
Thursday,
11th October 2007
Venue: Cassidy's
Bar (upstairs), formerly Westmoreland
Hotel
27 Westmoreland Street
Dublin
2, Tel. 01-6708604
Time: 8 pm
All club members
are welcome to attend, whether you have been a member for years or joined the
club just a few months ago.
This is your
opportunity to get to know the club members who serve on the committee, to ask
questions and to make suggestions in relation to Sunday Hikes or any other club
business.
Anyone interested
in getting information on what is involved in serving on the committee should
talk to our Chairman, Frank Rooney, at 085-1742119.
We
look forward to seeing you in October!
Social Events
You will be glad
to know that we are kicking off the new season with our hugely popular, tried
and tested:
PUB
CRAWL
Meet: Kavanagh’s
Pub, Manor Street
Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
Date: Friday,
5th October 2007
Time: 8.30
pm
Text: Steve
Buckney
~~~
As
always, your suggestions are welcome!
Please contact our Social Organiser, Steve
Buckney
HART WALK 2007
Distance:
111km
Ascent:
3000m
On Friday
evening, 20th July 2007, eight men and two women met in heavy rain opposite the
old tram station in Terenure, Dublin, for the 2007 Hart Walk. The men’s record
holder, Bob Lawlor (16hrs 21mins), was amongst them again while the first woman
ever to complete the trek, Sandra Brady (27hrs 53mins in 2002) was confidently
expecting to improve on her previous time. After a short warning from the
organizer about the folly of not pacing oneself wisely during the event, the
group set off at 8.10pm through the streets and puddles of this Dublin city
suburb.
Within the first
mile the fleet-footed Ms Brady had set a blistering pace, with the younger
members of the group (who didn’t know Sandra well) attempting to match her
until reason and blisters made them think again. The older, faster and more
experienced, people stayed at the back during these early stages, slowly
warming themselves up for the long haul. Eamon Magan, who had learned from an
unsuccessful attempt last year, when hallucinations and bloody blisters forced
his withdrawal at Laragh, was the last man in in the train and wouldn’t again
meet his fellow walkers until six hours later when he caught up with them in
their pain around Glenmacnass.
Between Laragh
(41km) and Glenmalure at 4am (50k) four walkers withdrew due to blisters and
sore knees. Bob Lawlor, Sandra Brady and the mighty Pam Coleman, continued on
up towards Lugnaquilla, followed by Fred Hamond and Desi O’Hagan from Northern
Ireland. Last away from the Glenmalure Lodge was Eamon Magan, supported by Tom
Milligan on this mountain section. At this hour of the morning the body is not
always pleased at being asked to do a continuous climb of 820 metres, so one or
two were sorely tried by this task. As Lugnaquilla was reached, however, their
bodies had woken up as the journey across the muddy Glen of Imaal was made.
With the day turning out to be unexpectedly pleasant everyone could now look
forward to a pleasant and navigationally easy course.
Wicklow Gap
(72km) to Ballynultagh proved to be a testing time for some. Pam Coleman, who
had been leap-frogging over peat hags around Barnacullian, found at
Ballynultagh that her foot had become so sore that further progress was
impossible. This was most disappointing not only for herself, but for her
friends who knew that the old record would be surpassed by her. With a heavy
heart she was transported back to Terenure by the back-up team of Pat Lynch and
Maeve Carey (the women’s record holder). When Eamon Magan reached this point
much later on, he also had to withdraw due to sore knees and the excruciatingly
sore and battered soles of his feet. Tom Milligan, his companion on this
journey, had become concerned about him earlier on when last year’s
hallucinatory inclinations returned around Barnacullian. He had pointed out to
Tom the unusual sight of a large white caravan in the middle of the bog on the
floor of the Glenmacnass valley. Upon examining the situation closely, Tom saw
that what Eamon was referring to was actually a bend in the Glenmacnass river
below. The manic look in Eamon’s face and the rapidly twitching right eye made
Tom feel that he should stay behind Eamon from that point on.
The remaining
four walkers performed wonderfully all the way to the finish. Sandra Brady
crossed the finishing line with Bob Lawlor in a magnificent 21hrs 55mins,
reducing the old women’s record by 1hr 42mins, while Desi O’Hagan arrived in
23hrs 3mins with Fred Hamond doing 23hrs 7mins.
I’d like to say
that a great time was had by all, but with a 60% casualty rate for the walk
that might be going too far. However, I’d like to think that the experience was
a great learning experience for all concerned and that lessons were learned
which will inspire them to come back again next year (yeah, right!) and complete
the challenge they set for themselves in 2007.
On behalf of many
of the walkers who contacted me personally after the event, I would like to
express appreciation for the life-line backup team of Pat Lynch and Maeve Carey
(watch out Sandra Brady next year!) who provided such encouragement and
essential support during this arduous event. Without them, and the bond they
provided between the participants, the event would have been so much less
enjoyable.
Tom
Milligan
CHARITY WALK
Club member Lisa Collins has send us details
of a planned charity trek which is in aid of her 9 year old cousin.
LUG IT for George Challenge
On Saturday, 6th October we are
organizing a “Trek up Lugnaquilla” as a fundraising event for 9 year old George
Yeomans. George has a very rare form of cancer, ”Neuroblastoma”, and at the
moment is in the Sloan Kittering Memorial Hospital in New York where the
medical bills are soaring everyday. Visit George’s website at www.georgeyeomansappeal.org.
We would like as many trekkers as possible to
join us on the 6th Oct on the “LUG IT for George Challenge”. All trekkers need
to raise €100 to take part in the challenge. This money will go directly to
George’s family to help pay the medical fees.
Meeting Point:
Fenton’s Pub, The Glen of Imaal, at 10am sharp!
Contact details:
Helen O’Malley, ACARA, Project Management for Charities, 20 Stephen Street
Lower, Dublin 2. Email: helen@acara.ie
COMMITTEE 2006 - 2007
Chairman Frank Rooney
Secretary/Sunday
Hikes Garry Byrne
Treasurer Jim Barry
Membership Donal Finn
Social Events Steve Buckney
Weekends Mark Campion
Officer-at-large Eoin Moroney
Newsletter Barbara Sudrow
Special thanks to:
Webmaster Matt Geraghty
Distribution Pearse Foley &
Cyril McFeeney
Map & Compass Course
An Óige
Hillwalkers Club
Map & Compass
Course
PROGRAMME
AUTUMN 2007 / SPRING 2008
Date: Tues
16th Oct 2007
Venue: 7.30
pm in Room 102, An Óige Hostel, Mountjoy St
Topics: Introduction
and Mountain Skills I: Map, Scales,
Legend, Grid references, Contours.
~~~
WEEKEND 1 -
WICKLOW MOUNTAINS
Dates: 20th
- 21st Oct 2007
Meet: Sat,
9.45am, Laragh
Activity: Practical
exercise in the Glendalough area, navigation by map only.
Overnight in the
Glendalough Hostel.
1. Map
setting 2. Feature
recognition
3.
Self-location 4.
Route choice
5. Distance
estimation 6. Handrail features
~~~
Date: Tues
23rd Oct 2007
Venue: 7.30
pm in Room 102, An Óige Hostel, Mountjoy St
Topics: Mountain
Skills II: Distance, altitude,
timing, Naismith's Rule
Emergency procedures
~~~
Date: Tues
30th Oct 2007
Venue: 7.30
pm in Room 102, An Óige Hostel, Mountjoy St
Talk: Mountain
Skills III: Compass, bearings,
route card
Mountain hazards
~~~
WEEKEND 2 - WICKLOW MOUNTAINS
Dates: 3rd
- 4th Nov 2007
Meet: Sat,
9:45am Laragh
Activity: Practical
exercise in the Glendalough area, navigation by map & compass.
Overnight in Glendalough Hostel.
1. Revision of 1st
weekend 2. Walking on a bearing
3. Back-bearing 4. Sight-bearing
5. Pacing 6. Steep ground work
Presentation: Personal Equipment, Sunday 19th at
9.30am, IYHF Hostel, Glendalough.
~~~
NIGHT HIKE - WICKLOW MOUNTAINS
Date: 17th
Nov 2007
Meet: Sat
@ 4.00pm, Coachhouse Pub, Roundwood.
Activity: Night
exercise on Trooperstown Hill from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Bring head-torch
~~~
OPTIONAL WEEKEND -
COMERAGH MOUNTAINS (COST NOT INCLUDED)
Dates: Feb
1st-3rd 2008 Meet: Rathgormack Hiking Centre, Co. Waterford,
Friday night
Activity: Practical
exercise in the Comeragh Mountains. Overnights Friday and Saturday in
Rathgormack Hiking Centre, Rathgormack, Co. Waterford.
OCTOBER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
An Óige
Hillwalkers Club
October Weekend
2007
Friday 26th
– Monday 29th October 2007
Walking in
South Armagh and the Mourne Mountains
Stay in Armagh City of the Two Cathedrals
Hard and Moderate
Walkers Welcome
Two grades of
walks on Saturday, Sunday and one grade on Monday
Leaders: Frank Rooney and Brendan Magee
Weekend Walking Itinerary to include:
Slieve Donard, Slieve
Commedagh, Slievenaglogh, Slieve Bearnagh
Slievelamagan, North Tor, Slieve Binnian, Wee Binnian
Camlough Mountain and Slieve Gullion
Maps:
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, Discover Series Sheet 29, 1:50,000
(for all walks)
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, Activity Map 1:25,000 (Mournes only)
This is not essential but can be purchased to give greater detail.
Notes:
Coach Trip: Transport included, Return Dublin-Armagh and
to and from all walks
Hostel Accommodation: Armagh City Hostel. Cost includes 3 nights
B&B 26th, 27th and 28th, two
evening
dinners on the 27th and 28th and three packed lunches.
Food: As above - stopping
at local shops for extras etc.
Cost: EUR 185
Booking: EUR
110 NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT to An Óige Head Office by
credit card or
cash deposit (01-8304555).
Balance
of EUR 75.00 to be paid before Friday 5th October.
Bring: Sterling Currency
(!), Suitable Walking Boots/Rain Wear/
Change of Warm
Clothing/Towels/Bathroom Gear/ Flask/Torch/
First Aid
Kit/Camera/Binoculars etc.
Meeting
Place/Time: Georges
Quay (beside Tara Street Dart Station)
at 18.00 hrs. for
non-stop bus journey to Armagh City.
Participants
are advised to have their evening meals prior to departure.
Come
along and enjoy the weekend!