Ballyhoura Bears 8th November 2009

By Robin Lee (Ballyhoura Bears PRO)
There are a lot of new ideas in the club at present, and those that are given to reading these notes will have seen that these new ideas are being transferred into a wider variety of walks. Along with this, efforts are being made to find new walks within a reasonable distance from our base to provide our members with new challenges on new terrain.

Eugene Stephens produced one such walk on Sunday last; the Slieve Bearnach horseshoe starting from the western shores of Lough Derg some four kilometres north of Killaloe on the Scariff road. Eugene and Renee O’Dwyer had meticulously researched this walk a week earlier. This preparation paid handsome dividends on Sunday. Departing the car park on the shores of the lake we crossed into Ballycuggeran Wood and traversed part of the East Clare Way skirting Feenlea Mountain with Moylussa being our first target. The weather was perfect, not just for walking, but also for the enjoyment of the spectacular views that this part of the country provides. As we walked away from the lake we rose over it quickly, and very soon we had uninterrupted and breathtaking views of the length of the lake and the four counties surrounding it – Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Galway. It was interesting to recreate the walks that the club has undertaken on the Arra Mountains and around the Graves of the Leinstermen on other occasions and on the other side of the lake. Oh but the ground conditions! The recent wet weather threw up some bottomless terrain to us. So much so that our past Chairman, Pat Moriarty soon exhibited his bog snorkelling skills by disappearing into a deep bog hole in an instant, right up to his hips. Undaunted, he, and the rest of us, thrashed on, being compensated all the while by the ever changing views that the hills and fine weather bestowed on us. With Moylussa behind us we advanced on the main target of the day – Slieve Bearnagh and particularly the trig point on Cragnamurragh (526M). Now we had a panorama – 360 degrees of sensational views stretching as far as Foynes on the Shannon estuary, and with Ennis, Limerick and Galway in evidence. But it was the late Autumnal/ early winter colouring coupled with the lushness of the pastureland surrounding us that took pride of place. Having descended now to the tranquillity of one of the upper reaches of the Adrcloony River we had a well earned food stop to fortify us for the few rises that were left in the day. Our planned route was now to take us across Feenlea Mountain to a languid meander through Ballycuggeran Wood that we had entered some seven hours earlier at the start of this memorable day. As well as the wild goats and deer that inhabit this area, we were entertained, also by the presence of skylarks and even butterflies on the 8th of November, such was the weather that we had. All fifteen walkers returned safely to the start, tired maybe, but wholly enthused by the rewards that this walk gave us.

While all of this was happening Bridget Hennessy took charge of the “B” walk from Ballyorgan. Her original plan to bring this walk along the banks of the Molanna had to be abandoned due to the consistently wet weather on the lead up to Sunday. It was felt that it might be dangerous to travel the bank of the swollen river, so her walk brought us, instead in the opposite direction to Glenosheen and Coolfree. Eighteen walkers turned out, amongst them some welcome newcomers. As with the “A” walk the weather was perfect and the mood was jovial. The plan was to take in the newly opened path at Castleoliver that has had a new stile constructed on it. The underfoot conditions allowed for this. We now advanced on the Holiday Homes at Ballyorgan and thence back to the start. Well done to Bridget for arranging this successful walk on short notice given that the original plan had to be abandoned.

There will be three club walks next Sunday in keeping with the innovative spirit in the club right now. All three walks will depart from Lisverranane Church. The first Nordic Walk under the banner of the club will depart at 9.00 a m and it will last approx an hour and a half, having the participants back at the start in good time to partake, if they wish, in the “A” walk or “B” walk that will be departing from the Church at 11.00 a m. Robin Lee – (087) 6385290 – will be taking charge of the Nordic Walk and there will be a limited number of spare poles available at the start for those who reserve them in advance on a first come basis. Basic initial instruction on this method of walking will be given at the start. Michael Moroney – (087) 9267948 - will be in charge of the “A” walk, which is billed as a moderate 5/6-hour walk. Joan Caulfield –(087) 9478276 – will lead the “B” walk from the same venue at the same time.