One Day Ballyhoura Way

Day on Ballyhoura Way.

A big thank you to all the members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club who supported and encouraged the nine walkers who completed the entire Ballyhoura Way last weekend in just over 19hours. The 56 mile challenge commenced at 3am from Limerick Junction led by Michael Moroney. A group photograph at the Map board just before their departure  captured enthusiasm and energy.  The target was to walk the 90km to  John's Bridge in Co.Cork. The nine  journeyed  to Tipperary town and over Slievenamuck. They were cited at Christ the King Statue before 5.30am. The walk took them through Ballinacourty  and  Ivory's farm land. Onwards to the Moore Abbey Galbally where they had a quick snack. They relished fruit jellies on the route to Glenbrohane Church. Dancing was not on the agenda when they reached the Maple ballroom in Kilfinnane. Instead a few sandwiches were gulped at speed. They passed the Forest homes in Ballyorgan and arrived in Glenosheen at1.30pm. Traversing Ballyhoura Country and its famous black ditch wasn’t problematic for the group, two of whom were celebrating significant birthdays. Walking the Ballyhoura Way was their definition of a party They arrived at the Bridge bar in Ballyhea after 7pm to be greeted by customers who were mesmerised contemplating the sheer endurance and determination required to complete the remaining 20km. A change of footwear coupled with words of encouragement sent them on a twelve mile up hill venture  through Churchtown and Liscarroll.  It was after 10pm  when they reached their destination John's Bridge. Weather conditions were ideal throughout the entire walk apart from a light mist before dawn and a light shower in Churchtown. Congratulations to all nine on your successful 90.7km enduring passage authentically GPS recorded. It is worthwhile noting that this annual walking challenge has been completed five times by one male walker, four times by a female walker,three times by a female  and twice by two other females and one male. Some other members have completed the challenge once.