Ballyhoura Rambling Weekend

By Robin Lee (Ballyhoura Bears PRO)

Last weekend the combined efforts of The Ballyhoura Bears, Ballyhoura Fáilte and Deebert House Hotel resulted in some one hundred plus walkers walking throughout the region on the Ballyhoura Autumn Rambling Wekend. Walkers arrived on Friday night from as far away as Wexford, Sligo and Dublin as well as closer to home to partake in this festival of walking and it was a wonderful success.

The proceedings commenced with an informal meet and greet evening at Deebert House on Friday at which the visitors and locals got into the mood of relaxation and friendship that was to pervade the proceedings throughout the weekend. Mary Maher, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Fáilte who extended a warm welcome to all of the visitors and wished them well for their stay in the region, formally launched the festival.

Saturday morning dawned bright and dry as was forecasted putting all of the walkers in good spirits for the two day walks that were planned. Robin Lee led the “A” walk out of Kilfinane by Ballintubber to Slievereagh and home on the loop by Cush Rock and Ballyriggan to Kilfinane. There was a good representation of visitors on this ramble who were treated to fine views of east Limerick and its environs although there was a smoke haze that inhibited the pinpointing of distant landmarks. Susie Flavin, meanwhile, took care of the “B” walk from Darragh Bridge and this also had a large number of visitors participating. This walk took us on to Castle Gael, Kilcruaig and on to the Molanna River before being delivered back at Darragh and the superb home made refreshments laid on by Kathleen Daly. This hospitality was the talking point amongst the visitors throughout the rest of the festival. Mary Blewitt took charge of the third walk on Saturday – a night-walk out from Greenwood Car Park. This was also a great success, and even if it was slightly marred by a damp mist towards the end it provided plenty of the excitement that night walking has to offer. Deebert House laid on refreshments after this walk and the “A” walk, all of which was included in the registration fee for the walks, and good and welcome they were too! The foundations were laid for the Oiche Ceol agus Craic that Deebert House had arranged for the evening, and what a night it was?

It was encouraging to see that our visitors reported in numbers again on Sunday morning for the two walks that were planned for the Ballyhouras that day. Pat Moriarty led the “A” group from The Laka car park at the base of Seefin over that rise and on to the Black Ditch and Carron before turning for home via Mountrussell and Blackrock. At the same time Cal McCarthy headed up the “B” walk from Glenanaar car park on part of the Canon Sheehan way that took in New Fields, Norris’ Cottage before arriving at the Banks of the Ogeen and Aar rivers and back to the start. Both of these walks were a great success and gave a great impression of the area as a walking resort to our guests. For those that were interested in the history of Kilmallock Noel Collins led an Historical Walk of the town on Sunday afternoon. As is usual with these walks, the unsuspecting visitor went away with a deep sense of the rich history of the town. All three walks finished up at about the same time providing the participants with the opportunity to bid each other, and the Festival, farewell while enjoying the hospitality that was, once again, provided by Deebert House Hotel. Already plans are underway for the preparation of next years Ballyhoura Autumn Rambling Weekend.

Next weekend is a Bank Holiday weekend and so our club activities are light. Teresa Brosnan – 087 9002534 – will lead a “B” walk from Darragh Bridge at 11 a m. The following Saturday, 31st October, Bridget Hennessy will commence a new walk for beginners who are interested in walking, but might be reluctant to join regular club walks in case they might not be able for the pace or the distance. This will take place at Glenanaar Wood Car Park at 1 p m on 31st. For those that are interested they are requested to contact Bridget at 087 9229405 who will provide all of the necessary information.