Ballyhoura Bears 4th October 2009

by Robin Lee (Ballyhoura Bears PRO)

The first Sunday in October, like a lot of other dates in our calendar, has now become the settled date for the Canon Sheehan walk from Doneraile to Glenanaar. It is appropriate that our club should commemorate this renowned writer, who served the Parish and parishioners of Doneraile so well and whose popular work “Glenanaar” reflects everything that we hold good and wholesome in country life and values. It is no little wonder, then, that our own Cal McCarthy should be the motivator of this walk within the club, and who encourages all others that are interested in the life of the Canon and his works to participate.

Last Sunday’s walk, like the previous week, encompassed the “A” and “B” walks for the club, and the members turned out in force. Upwards of forty walkers arrived at the start at Doneraile Church, some under their own steam; others by the bus that our leader had provided from Glenanaar Car Park.

At the start Cal provided us with a most erudite talk on the life, times and works of Canon Sheehan. Without question this set the tone for the day that was to follow. As we progressed through the planned thirteen-mile walk we were treated to vignettes of the life that the Canon lived in this locality. The sun shone, the breeze was light, the day was bright and the stories flowed.

Travelling through Doneraile Park we encountered the two breeds of deer that are being reared there under controlled supervision together with the herd of Kerry Blacks. The number of casual walkers around the Park was a testament to the popularity that walking, as a pastime, has achieved now. We advanced on Carker House where we had an invitation from its owner, Tim Nagle to partake in refreshments. What a wonderful job Tim has done in restoring this magnificent residence to its former glory when it was the seat of the Evans family for so many generations? Refreshed from this sojourn we proceeded on by Garyhinthogue to Goolaway Cross and then crossed the Fluckane Stream and the Cliath Dubh simultaneously before arriving at Ballintlea. All the while the stories flowed, the questions were asked, the answers were given (or attempted) and we were having a whale of a time.

It was now time to turn into the Coillte track that was to lead us to the Mass Rock where the Canon had celebrated so many Masses during his ministry in Doneraile. A brief stop here provided a breather before we commenced the final leg of the trek. In a lot of ways this is possibly the most charming part of this walk – through mature forest to the newly constructed bridges over the Oigín River until it meets the Áir River leading us inexorably on to the sedate riverbank close to the Car Park. What was this that awaited us? Just like last year Cal had erected a hospitality tent to receive us, within which his wife Teresa and her family, ably assisted by Mary Kearney Adams, provided us with welcome refreshments to round off this perfect day where nothing was left to chance.

Sunday next is the “Way in a Day” walk – the Ballyhoura Way in one day. Departing Limerick Junction at 4.00 a m the walk takes in the entire of that part of the O’Sullivan Beara Way known as The Ballyhoura Way to its end at Johnm’s Bridge near Kanturk – some 56 miles. Those intending to partake should contact Michael Moroney at 087 9267948. For those interested in a more moderate walk on Sunday Frances Donovan – 087 1340549 – will lead a “B” walk from Ardpatrick Community Centre at 11 a m.

The following weekend – 16th/18th Oct - the club hosts the annual Rambling weekend. Members are encouraged to support the several enticing walks that are planned for this weekend and to bring guests with them to these events. Details are on the brochures that have been distributed or can be obtained by contacting 063 31200 or 063 91300.