Friday, 31 December 2021

Athbhlian faoi mhaise dhaoibh 2022

 Wishing all Club members a happy and healthy new year-for this year more than ever. 

Today is New Year's Eve (Oíche Chinn  Bhliana) and it is one of the days associated with a number of traditions in Ireland. Back in the time when a well was the source of water, it was believed that you should never draw water on New Year's Eve, as if you do, the water is said to turn to wine at midnight and anyone who witnesses this will disappear. In Leitrim it was considered unlucky to throw out water or spend money on that day.  It was said that people who did not eat enough on New Year's Eve would not have enough to eat for the year. In Co. Limerick it was believed that if you threw a loaf of bread at the main door of the house, it would ward off hunger from the house for the coming year. At midnight, the back door and the front door were opened to let out the old year and let in the new year. In Roosky, Co. Roscommon, men would beat drums to beat out the old year. Different times indeed

After the revelry on New Year's Eve, you had to mind your manners the day after. Anyone quarrelling on New Year's Day (Lá Caille) is said to do so for the coming year! Folklore recorded from Boyle, Co. Roscommon noted that if a woman was the first person to visit your house on New Year's Day, it was bad luck but if a man was the first, he was given some silver to bring luck to both for the coming year. Hmmmm, I wonder.....

 People also believed that if they had 'full and plenty' on New Year's Day, they would have it for the year. Boxty, a type of bread made with potatoes, salt and flour was traditionally eaten. 

So let us eat, drink and be merry, remember times past, be grateful for what we have and look forward to the future! An donas amach, an sonas isteach ó anocht go blian ó anocht!

All the traditions above were accessed at www.dúchas.ie, a fantastic online resource on Ireland's folklore gathered by schoolchildren in the 1930s. 



Thursday, 30 December 2021

No walk in the park but I was all ears


There are some excellent podcasts and programmes about walking and hiking out there but if you are looking for something different, you could do worse than listen to the writer and broadcaster Horatio Clare's four part series about his experiences hiking Slieve Donard, Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis. Despite the obvious effort involved, it's very soothing and restful and a welcome break from the incessant pandemic noise. Access it here.

The Club climbed these mountains a number of years ago. Maybe it's time to revisit them or at least throw a new challenge into the pot? A plan for the new year? 



Wednesday, 22 December 2021

Club walk Monday 27th December 2021

Flaggy Shore.  Meet at EMO service station, between Kinvara and Belharbour at 10.30am. Duration: 2 h 30 min approx. Rain gear, good footwear and face mask advised. Limited parking at Linnane's or Russell Gallery at start of walk. Names in advance please to leader N. Lohan. 

Friday, 17 December 2021

Night walk Monday 20th December


Christmas night walk starting from Gullane's car park at 8pm sharp. Easy walk to Garbally Woods. Duration: 1.5hrs approx. Each walker must have own torch, hi-vis jacket and boots. Names to walk leader Liam Roche in advance please.


As this is the last Club walk before the big day, we'd like to take this opportunity to wish all Rosway members a happy, safe and joyful Christmas. 

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Club walk Sunday 12th December 2021

We were due to have our Christmas day out this coming Sunday but because of updated government guidelines in relation to Covid-19, this has been postponed. Instead, the Club walk this coming Sunday 12th December will take place in Aghrane Forest, Ballygar. Distance: 12kms approx.  Duration: 3hrs. Grade: Easy-flat forest track. Trail shoes ok. Meet at car park adjacent to Fallon's 'Corner House' bar in Ballygar @ 10am. Text name if going to leader Claire Dolphin.  

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

Mountaineering Ireland Lynam lecture 9th December 2021

Mountaineer and adventurer Noel Hanna will deliver this year’s Mountaineering Ireland Lynam Lecture tomorrow evening 9th December at 7.30pm. Click here for more details.

Given the current rise in COVID-19 cases and ongoing restrictions to indoor venues this event will be held online and is free to Mountaineering Ireland members. You can register here to receive the link for the event. You will need your membership number to register.

Thursday, 2 December 2021

Christmas walk and Club dinner Sunday 12th December POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. This is the final call for names. We need to know if you're coming by Friday 3rd December as we need to finalise numbers for bus and hotel in advance. No guarantee of place after this date.  

 

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Club walk Sunday 28th November 2021

 Aughrim Historical Trail. Meet car park Aughrim Interpretative Centre at 10am. 

Grade: Easy. Length: 9kms approx. Duration: 2 hours. 

Leader: C. Dolphin.

Mainly road walking but short wet section, so boots advised.

Names in advance to Claire please.  

Saturday, 20 November 2021

Walking calendar 2021-2022

A copy of the walks calendar will be sent out along with membership cards in the next few weeks. In the meantime, you can get a preview here. Details will be sent out by text in advance of each walk and posted up on the blog. 


Thursday, 18 November 2021

Rosway Walkers Committee 2021-2022

Following the AGM last Friday night, the following Committee was elected:

Chairperson: Claire Dolphin

Secretary: Fiona Maguire

Treasurer: Jim Curley

Assistant Treasurer: John McDonagh

Training Officer: Noel Lohan

Environmental Officer: Bríd Lyons

PRO: Ger Quinn

Liaison Officer: Bríd Barrett

Claire extended thanks on behalf of the Club to outgoing secretary Kathleen Ward for her hard work and kindness to all. 

The walks calendar will be posted out to members in the next few weeks and will also be posted up on the blog. Any existing members who wish to re-join are asked to do so as soon as possible.  


Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Club AGM and planning meeting Friday 12th November 2021

 Just a quick reminder that the Club AGM will take place in Gullane's this Friday night, 12th November at  8pm. The planning meeting to schedule walks for the coming year will also be held on the same night. ALL WELCOME.

Sunday, 31 October 2021

Club walk Sunday 31st October 2021

Huge thanks to Bríd for leading a great local walk today, which included a section of the Hymany Way. Walkers were out for around three hours. The weather held and as you can see from the photos below (all ©BLyons), nature put on a great show. 









Thursday, 28 October 2021

Mountaineering Ireland's Members' Consultation meetings 1st and 2nd November 2021

Mountaineering Ireland is holding two members' consultation meetings to discuss the strategic development for Mountaineering Ireland for 2022 - 2025.

This is a great opportunity for all members to be part of this important process to help shape the future direction of the organisation.

These meetings will be held online (links for each meeting below) on Monday the 1st of November and Tuesday 2nd November 2021 @ 19:00.



Monday 1st November Zoom Link:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83715541507?pwd=cXZnUXNROVdpWWJ4dDYzcnY0VHRJZz09

Meeting ID: 837 1554 1507

Passcode: 694164



Tuesday 2nd November Zoom Link

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88480211744?pwd=aHdneVQyTytDV2drSVpjaUh0WWZPZz09

Meeting ID: 884 8021 1744

Passcode: 570494

Three key questions to consider for discussion on the evening are:

What do you want Mountaineering Ireland to work on for the next four years?

If Mountaineering Ireland was amazing what would we do?

What's holding Mountaineering Ireland back?

Monday, 18 October 2021

Dates for the diary: Rosway Walkers registration, AGM and walk planning meeting

Registration is now open for members new and existing.  Membership fee will remain at €50 and you will need to complete a membership form, even if you are re-joining.  Data protection measures are in place to protect all members. Fee includes insurance and membership of Mountaineering Ireland. 

The Club is open to people of all abilities over 18 years of age. No experience is necessary. By joining the Club, you accept that walking is a risk sport. Members and prospective members must take responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing on walks. 

As a result of Covid-19, there is a preference that membership subscriptions are paid via electronic credit transfer for the 2021/22 season. The following information will be needed to transfer the membership subscription to Rosway Walkers Club account. Payments can be initiated via internet banking, self-service Kiosk, mobile banking or in a branch.

Bank: AIB

National Sort Code: 93-70-45

Account Name: Rosway Walkers Club

Account Number: 09440-033

BIC: AIBKIE2D

IBAN: IE19AIBK93704509440033

Note: Please ensure that you should add your name to the transfer documentation to allow us to match your payment to your registration form. 

If paying electronically does not suit, it's not a problem. You can renew or join in person between 8pm and 9pm on Friday 29th October 2021 upstairs in Gullane's (observing Covid guidelines). 

Information on a weekend away in June next year based in Westport will also be available on the night.  Organised by John McDonagh, the weekend will include a walk on beautiful Inishturk off the Mayo coast. A €50 deposit, payable on the night, will secure a place. 

The AGM for 2021 will take place in Gullane's on Friday 12th November 2021. It is proposed to hold the planning meeting the same night, so if you have a walk you would like to lead, please attend to ensure that it is listed on the Club calendar for the coming year. 




Thursday, 14 October 2021

Club walk Sunday 17th October 2021

Mote Park and Derrydonnell Wood, Co. Roscommon. Road and forest track. Grade: Easy/moderate. Distance: 15kms approx. Meet outside Roscommon Golf Club entrance on Golf Links Road at 10am. Bring lunch, water etc. Please contact Leaders Claire or Kathleen in advance if going. 

Tuesday, 12 October 2021

Galway MRT fundraiser -please support

Ronan Concannon from Galway Mountain Rescue Team has been in touch to say that they are organising a virtual 'Howl at the Moon' event this year to raise funds for the organisation. Please try and support them if you can. 


For a donation of €25 you can sign-up online and upon completion of the challenge you will receive a piece of custom multifunctional headwear.

Distances can be posted to the mission via numerous popular fitness apps and trackers or they can be manually entered via the MyVirtualMission website and mobile apps. Each time you go for a walk, you will advance along the pathway from the start towards the finish line. Along the route informative waypoints will give you an insight into the team and its activities.

Click the link below to sign up

Monday, 11 October 2021

Saturday, 2 October 2021

Leadership training

Congratulations and well done to Bríd, Claire, Frances and John for taking part in a leadership training course with Michelle Hughes in Connemara on 17th September. Not easy to find a day to dedicate to the betterment of the Club. A great day was had by all. Photos to follow. 

Photos from recent walks

Some stunning photos from Bríd's walk in Connemara in August, and a few from Cadamstown, Cloonfad and Pollboy in September. 

Lettershanbally ©BLyons

Lettershanbally ©BLyons

Lettershanbally ©BLyons

Lettershanbally ©BLyons

Lettershanbally ©BLyons

Autumn on way, Cadamstown ©FMaguire

Silver River, Cadamstown ©FMaguire

Paul's Lane, Cadamstown ©FMaguire

Part of the abandoned village of Bordingstown ©FMaguire

Bordingstown, Paul's Lane ©FMaguire


Lettershanbally ©BLyons



Grand dry walk around Pollboy last Sunday ©CDolphin


Liam trying to be diplomatic going between the divide (but leaning towards Galway) ©CDolphin 


Club walk Sunday 3rd October 2021

 Town walk. Grade: Easy. Duration: 2 hours. Starting from Gullane's car park at 10am. Some mucky parts, so boots required. Names please to leader L. Roche. 

©FMaguire


Volunteers needed for Croagh Patrick project


Path repair and habitat restoration work is underway on Croagh Patrick and the team involved are looking for volunteers who could help out one day a week/fortnight on a regular basis. You need to be fit and able to look after yourself on a mountain. Training and tools will be provided. Please email Helen Lawless, Access and Conservation Officer for MI (helen@mountaineering.ie). If you don't have access to email, please contact Rosway Training Officer Fiona Maguire and she will pass on your details.
 
  



Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Club walk Sunday 19th September 2021

Cloonfad/Dunmore scenic walk. Distance: 16kms approx. Duration: 4 hours. Quiet road and forest tracks. Trail shoes/runners ok. Meet across from the post office in Dunmore at 9.30am. Café hatch with tea/coffee available at parking spot from 11am-3pm. Names to leader C. Dolphin in advance if going. 

Pic below from Claire, who says that walk will suit those from both sides of the county line 😀 


© Claire Dolphin



Thursday, 9 September 2021

Club walk Sunday 12th September 2021

 Loughavalla Farm. Looped walk in the heart of the Burren. Distance: 7km approx. Duration: 3 hours including half hour for tea. Grade: Moderate. Boots needed. Tea/coffee available at farmer's house for a donation. 

Meet SuperValu, Tubber Road, Gort at 9.30am. Names to walk leader Geraldine Quinn in advance please, as Covid rules still apply. 

Thursday, 2 September 2021

There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going

Sharing this article from last week's Irish Times. Plenty of food for thought in it -not only from a personal responsibility point of view but also in relation to the wider issues involved in mountain rescue and mountain access.  



Wednesday, 1 September 2021

Club walk Sunday 5th September 2021

Slieve Blooms looped walk. Meet car park in Cadamstown village at 10am. Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours approx. Distance: 11kms. Some ascent and descent. Terrain uneven and slippery in sections so boots only-definitely not suitable for runners and sticks would be useful. Contact walk leader Fiona in advance if attending. 

Weather forecast mixed so if conditions deteriorate, we can take a shorter route. 


Abbey Hill and Oughtmama

Thanks to Clare for photo below of last Sunday's walk.


A dull day on Abbey Hill and Oughtmama but spirits were far from it.
    Photo: C. Dolphin
 
Apologies to all for not updating the blog for the last few weeks. Normal service has resumed. 


Thursday, 12 August 2021

Club walk Sunday 15th August 2021

Lettershanbally Loop with extension on to the Western Way. Duration: 3 hours approx.  Grade: Easy/moderate. Terrain is forestry, boardwalk and tracks. Meet at Joyce's craft shop in Recess at 11am for transit to Lettershanbally car park. 

The car park has room for six or seven cars, so we may need to car share from Recess. 

Boots or trail shoes required. Bring snacks/sandwiches. 

Covid regulations still apply, so please text names to walk leader Bríd Lyons beforehand and bring a mask with you. 

Google maps say that it takes 1 hour 39 minutes to Recess but on the day of the recce it took 2 hours because of traffic in Galway. Lettershanbally car park is 13kms from Recess off the R344 (first right after Joyce's). 

Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Inishbofin Walking Festival September 10th-12th 2021

The Inishbofin Walking Festival 2021 runs from September 10th to 12th on Inishbofin Island, Co. Galway.

Explore unspoilt landscapes, discover natural wildlife, and enjoy fresh local food on this island adventure!

Expert guides and speakers will teach you about the islands of Inishbofin and Inishark, sharing their extensive knowledge on the history, plants, and birds of the islands.

Tickets and the full weekend schedule are available now  here

For more information call 09545989 or email csptourism@inishbofin.com

For details on accommodation and getting here visit http://www.inishbofin.com/





Friday, 6 August 2021

Club walk Sunday 8th August 2021

Apologies to Clare for not getting around to posting up last week's walk on the blog.  

For this Sunday's walk, the meeting point is outside the Golden Island shopping centre in Athlone. Duration: 2 hours. Grade: Easy. Runners/trail shoes are ok. Contact walk leader Liam Roche in advance please if you are planning to go. 


Thursday, 22 July 2021

Diploma in Earth and Ocean Sciences NUI Galway

The Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development in NUI Galway has been in touch to say that the university is offering a Diploma in Scientific Studies (Earth & Ocean Sciences) starting in September 2021. The course will appeal to those with an interest in our natural environment and the outdoors and as such may be of interest to club members. The Diploma in Scientific Studies (Earth & Ocean Sciences) aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the study of the Earth’s solid geology and its coastal ocean, with hands-on, practical experience of the techniques employed within the fields of geology, oceanography, and Earth observation.

Club walk Sunday 25th July 2021

Binn Shléibhe/Mount Gable, Co. Galway. Grade: Moderate. Duration: 3.5 hours approx. Meet Clonbur Community Centre at 10am for ten minute transit to parking area. Boots, sticks, sunscreen, insect repellent advised. Names to John McDonagh in advance please as Covid regs still apply. 

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Kerry weekend away

 Sincere apologies to Liam for the delay in posting up below. 

Rosway Killarney Weekend outing
Twenty-eight members of Rosway spent the last weekend in June in Killarney where sixteen hardy walkers climbed Carrantuohill on Saturday 26th, and the remainder did a lovely 5 hour traverse around Muckross and Lough Leane lakes.

Special congratulations goes to John McDonagh, Eileen Quinn, John & Pat Rogers, Tommy Hannon, Sinead Flynn and Geraldine Quinn as they summited Ireland’s highest mountain for the first time.

We were blessed with good weather and the A walkers enjoyed spectacular views over the McGillicuddy Reeks and for miles around. We ascended via the challenging Devils Ladder where some rock climbing and tough scrambling was experienced, but as usual nothing is too tough for the Rosway crew. After a much needed lunch break and the mandatory photos were taken, the descent via the Zig-Zag route led us back to the car park. The B walkers enjoyed lovely scenery, especially great lake views, had lunch at Dinis Cottage tea rooms, visited the meeting of the waters viewing point, the old weir bridge, Torc Waterfall and finished the walk at Muckross House.

On Sunday 27th, walkers enjoyed a 2 ½ hour walk around the National Park. A special word of praise for the Killarney Court Hotel where the accommodation, food and the friendliness and ever helpful staff was of the highest standard and drew lots of praise from us all.
Liam Roche



Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Club walk Sunday 4th July 2021

Clear Lake, Slieve Blooms. Meet Kinnitty village at 10am to travel on to start of walk approximately 20 minutes away (Arderin car park on the Laois/Offaly border). Duration: max. 3 hours. Length: 7kms. There and back walk with some gradual ascent/descent. Very picturesque but slobbery in spots so boots only and sticks an advantage. 

Please let Fiona know in advance if you plan to walk as Covid regulations still in place. 

On the way to Clear Lake, 27th June 2021. ©Bríd Lyons. 


Monday, 21 June 2021

Killarney weekend information

Killarney A & B walkers should have packed lunch, full gear set, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, sun hat, face mask, hand sanitiser, small amount of money for coffees etc.,

Carrantuohill walkers Team 1: Liam Roche, Pat & John Rogers, Eileen Quinn, Helen Heery and John McDonagh get breakfast at 7.30 am and leave Hotel car park at 8.15am sharp.

All other A & B walkers get breakfast at 8.30am. The A walkers leave Hotel car park at 9.15 am sharp. All B walkers leave car park on minibus at 10am sharp.

Dinner on Saturday evening is at 8pm. If anybody is interested there is an easy two hour Killarney National Park – Ross Castle loop walk starting from Hotel car park on Sunday morning at 9am sharp.

All walkers are requested to attend a briefing on Friday evening at 9.30pm outside Hotel entrance. Any queries / questions / information that you might need will be provided.

Lots of prayers / rosaries to be offered up for good weather.


Liam Roche

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Club walk Sunday 20th June 2021

Kilcommon Loop and Mauherslieve Mountain, Co. Tipperary. 542m. Moderate grade. Distance: 10.5kms. Duration; 3-3.5 hours. Terrain: Mixture of forestry, cross-country and minor roads. Muddy, so boots essential. Bring wet gear, lunch etc. Gaiters also useful. Meet Kilcommon village at 10.30am. Names please in advance to walk leader Claire, as Covid regulations still apply. 

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Leadership training

Mountaineering Ireland is organising free training for walk leaders and potential walk leaders from affiliated clubs. The emphasis is on building confidence and encouraging more people to lead walks of all levels. 

Rosway Walkers is supporting this very welcome initiative. Details will follow but for the moment, we just need to know numbers. If you are interested in taking part, please text Training Officer Fiona by Thursday 17th June


©F Maguire





Thursday, 10 June 2021

Club walk Sunday 13th June 2021

Kilkee, Co. Clare. Coastal walk. Easy/moderate trail with some road and beach. Length: 14kms. Duration: 3.5 hours approx. Runners ok. Meet at Tesco carpark on way in to Kilrush at 10am to travel on to Kilkee.  If you are planning to go, please let walk leaders Claire or Kathleen know beforehand as Covid regulations are still in place. 

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Club walk Sunday 6th June 2021

Two to choose from this week.

A walk is a 6 hour Croagh Patrick traverse starting from the car park at 10am sharp. Full mountain gear and boots required. Lunch and at least 1.5 litres of drinking water and sun screen will be needed. Leader Liam Roche 0872287076.

B walk is an easy 2 hour local walk starting from Tesco carpark at 10am sharp. Runners / walking shoes are ok. Leader Judith Roche 0879639852.

Covid regulations still apply. Please let walk leaders know if you plan to attend. 

Liam Roche

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Club walk Sunday 30th May 2021

Knockanuarha/12 O'Clock Hills, Co. Clare. Meet O'Halloran's (Emo) petrol station, Church Road, Tulla V95 3YW at 9.30am to travel on to start of walk. Duration: approx. 3.5 hours. Length: 13kms. Boots only. No facilities, so bring lunch etc. Contact walk leader Fiona in advance if you intend to travel, as Covid regulations still apply. 

Directions: This link should take you to to the meeting point if your smartphone is enabled. 

Otherwise: Take M18 for Limerick. Leave motorway at Exit 13 (Tulla). At first roundabout, take first exit for Tulla and stay on this road (R352) for 13kms until you get to a staggered crossroads (signposted Tulla 1km). Go left here. On way into village, pass large St Joseph's secondary school on left and the petrol station is just after that on the left-hand side of road. 

Alternatively, for the scenic route head for Loughrea, Gort and at T-junction on way into Gort, go left and follow signs for R458 Crusheen. About 6kms from Gort, take left-hand turn signposted R462 Tulla. When you get to village, at Y-junction keep right to stay on R462 (sign for Sixmilebridge). Pass St Mochulla's NS on left. Stay on R462 and the petrol station is on right-hand side of the road on way out of village. 

Journey time approx. 1 hour 10 minutes either way. 

Friday, 21 May 2021

Après le déluge...

There's an Irish proverb that goes 'A wet and windy May, fills the barn with corn and hay'. That's fine if crops are your thing. If not, and if you had the misfortune to have been out and about yesterday, you'll have squelched home, and clutching a restorative hot whiskey in one withered hand and your smartphone in the other, spent some considerable time googling 'waterproof jackets'. Or 'trench foot'. Or, if last night's rain was anything to go by, 'lifebuoys'. Mmm. The joys of the Irish 'summer'. 

In anticipation of our first official club walk on Sunday,  here's a link to Russ Mills' blog where he outlines what you need to know about waterproofing. It's his most read post, apparently. 

Finally, here's a very entertaining take on precipitation from www.thedailyedge.ie, just in case you are taking shelter from the gleidearnach while reading this. 




Club walk Sunday 23rd May 2021

Slieve Aughtys. Leader: J. Curley. 10kms/2-3 hours/trails, tarred roads and boggy sections. Boots necessary. Further details will be sent out by text. 

Covid regulations still apply. If you're planning to go, please contact Jim beforehand. 

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Climb for Galway Hospice


Galway Hospice are encouraging clubs to take on the Croagh Patrick Challenge this June. 

Covid-19 means that they can't hold their annual fund-raising climb this year, but they have been in touch to say that you can Climb for Hospice from home!

Croagh Patrick is 800 metres high. This June, they want clubs to take on the challenge to reach the summit locally. You can walk, run or cycle 80km over the month of June – that’s only 2.5km each day!

Register now at www.galwayhospice.ie/climb and you'll receive a free Galway Hospice t-shirt. 

Fundraise online with iDonate or receive a sponsorship card.

Funds raised through the Climb help Galway Hospice to care for patients and their families.

Please help support our care by taking on the Croagh Patrick Climb this June.

For more information, contact Galway Hospice Fundraising on 091-770868.

Irish Adventure Film Club festival

  We have had an email from the Irish Adventure Film Club, who run the Irish Adventure Film Festival. They have recently started an online monthly Adventure Film Club. This month's film is, Climbing Blind which will take place on Wednesday next, May 12th and will be followed by a live Q+A session.


Climbing Blind, is the incredible (and nail-biting) story of the first blind ‘lead’ on the 450ft Old Man of Hoy in Scotland. As part of the screening there will be a live Q+A with Jesse (the blind climber) about the film and his experiences overcoming adversity. The film itself has won 12 international awards.

Details and link to event below.

Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/ENXjp9U9

Ticket Link (for those that don’t use Facebook) : http://bit.ly/climbingblind

Climbing Blind Trailer: https://bit.ly/3uvETsB

Discount code: afcmay-club

The discount code that will give them 25% off the ticket price (€6).

Sunday, 9 May 2021

Though wisdom is good at the beginning, it is better at the end....

It's almost hard to believe what has happened to our world since the pandemic began, but it's equally difficult to believe that from tomorrow, Monday 10th May 2021, we are leaving the last fourteen strange months behind us and with a mixture of hope and excitement, are free to make plans again. Inter-county travel is permitted and small organised groups (max. 15 people) can meet outdoors. 

This means that we can get back to doing what we love. The Committee is putting together an updated walking calendar for the remainder of 2021, so anyone who wishes to lead a walk  please contact the Club Secretary on the Rosway phone number. To make up for lost time, we plan to have a walk every week for the forseeable future. If any assistance is needed with reccis etc., there are experienced leaders within the Club who will help and advise, so please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

See below for schedule for next few weeks. Details will be sent out by text closer to the date of the walk. 

Sunday 23rd May: Slieve Aughtys. Leader: J. Curley

Sunday 30th May: Knockanuarha, Co. Clare. Leader: F. Maguire

Sunday 6th June: Location TBC. Leaders: B. Barrett and G. Quinn

The Killarney weekend away which was postponed from last year will now take place from 25th to 27th June (Leaders L. and J. Roche). People who have paid their deposit but are not Club members are welcome to travel, but for insurance purposes, cannot participate in the organised walks. Membership is still open for those who wish to join. Liam has sent on information on the weekend, which you can access here

A training session for those who want to do the 'A' walk (Carrauntoohil) will take place on Sunday 16th May. Meet Kinnitty Castle at 10am. Duration: 5 hours approx. Bring full gear and lunch (links to Club  gear lists on right hand side of this page). Contact walk leader L. Roche if attending. 

Covid regulations still apply to all walks and meet-ups. At the moment, this means that you will have to make your way to the start of each walk under your own steam, let the walk leader know you'll be going on the walk, stay 2m apart and do not attend if you feel unwell. 

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.
Abbey Hill, May 2021. © F. Maguire



Friday, 30 April 2021

Irish Camino routes

With the welcome news that inter-county travel will be permitted from May 10th, it might be a good time to start planning to escape-at long, long last. 

To tempt fate, I thought I'd follow up on the Camino post from a few weeks ago with some multi-day walking routes in Ireland. In recent years, these have been marketed as 'Irish Caminos' or 'Celtic Caminos' and form part of the Pilgrim Paths initiative, more information on which can be found here.

Starting in the West, the Tóchar Phadraig starts at Ballintubber Abbey and finishes at the car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick, covering a distance of approximately 35kms. The Abbey, which was founded in 1216 AD by Cathal Cródhearg O'Conor, is located just off the N84, between Claremorris and Castlebar.

The Tóchar is said to follow the ancient chariot road from Rathcroghan to Cruachan Aille, the ancient name for Croagh Patrick. You have to register at the Abbey (cost €10), and you will also be able to pick up a map of the route and a guidebook there. Note that the route is incorrectly marked on the OSi Discovery Series maps (30 and 38), so it's definitely worth getting the official one from the Abbey. Pilgrim passports, for the authentic Camino experience, are also available (Contact: Ballintubber Abbey, Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 W584. Phone: 094 9030934; Email: info@ballintubberabbey.ie). Important details at the bottom of the page here

There's a good description of the walk, landmarks along the way and some handy tips in John G. O'Dwyer's book Pilgrim Paths in Ireland-A Guide, published by the Collins Press (€15). 

The Slí Cholmcille or Way of St Colmcille is a 65km route which forms part of the Slí Dhún na nGall. This one is top of my list for the summer. Named after the sixth century Irish saint, it's graded overall a moderate walk. It starts and finishes in the village of Ardara and encompasses the villages of Glencolmkille, Kilcar and Carrick in south-west Donegal. Walking the route clockwise is recommended. There seems to be a good bit of road walking and there are boggy off-road sections but the scenery is said to be spectacular as it winds its way around the coast and through the mountains. Port, the most westerly village in Donegal and the Glengesh Valley get a special mention. There is accommodation en route, which makes it quite doable with a bit of forward planning. Downloadable maps are available on the Sport Ireland website. The OSi Discovery Series 10 covers the area. Slí Cholmcille is said to be well-signposted and well-maintained. It also now forms part of the Appalachian Way, the long-distance American trail. This year is the 1500th anniversary of Colmcille's birth, so walking in his footsteps around beautiful Donegal might be a good way to celebrate it. 

If you were really organised, you would time your trip to coincide with the Turas Cholmcille usually completed between the 9th of June, which is the Saint's feast day, and the 15th of August. By all accounts, it's one for the hardier types. Traditionally completed barefoot (and at night if you so choose), it's a tough 5km route which also seems to have a tradition of sinking pilgrims! It starts on the outskirts of Glencolmkille village. For up to date information, there's contact details and further information at http://www.colmcille.org/glencolmcille.


A group of around thirty Club members walked St Declan's Way, from the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary to Ardmore in Co. Waterford over the August bank holiday weekend in 2014. Following the ancient road known as the Rian Bó Phádraig, St Declan's Way is now regarded as one of the Celtic Camino routes. It took us four days to cover the 100km route. We walked from Cashel to Ardfinnan via a tour of the Swiss Cottage in Cahir (27kms in total), Ardfinnan to Mount Mellary via the Liam Lynch Monument (23 kms), Lismore to Aglish (25kms) and Aglish to Ardmore (20kms).

There's a fair bit of road walking but the scenery makes up for it. The last day walking towards the sea to the beautiful fishing village of Ardmore was a highlight for me but there was plenty of good things to choose from.

If you want an authentic Camino experience, a 'pilgrim passport' scheme was established in 2017. Passports are available from the Camino Society Ireland (see here). Some routes, such as the Tóchar Phádraig, also have their own passports, as referred to above. Once you have completed five of the Celtic Camino routes, you will qualify for a Teastas certificate, which can be obtained from Ballintubber Abbey.

It's been a long, tough winter. If Covid has taught us anything, it's that we don't know what's coming next. Let us not waste any more time. Turn your face (and feet) towards the sun and let the proverbial shadows fall behind you. Buen Camino!

Thursday, 29 April 2021

Mountaineering Ireland talk

Mountaineering Ireland will host an online zoom talk entitled 'From Mullingar to Rongbuk - Charles Howard-Bury and the Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition 1921' on Tuesday 18th May at 7.30pm. The event is free but you have to register in advance. Further information here


Tuesday, 6 April 2021

International Dark Sky Week 5th - 12th April 2021

🌠🌠🌠

The beautiful clear nights for the last week or so have meant that anyone with a grá for the stars and planets is in their element. With any luck we will get out to enjoy the skies on a night walk at some point this year and get to enjoy the wonder of the heavens as a club. In the meantime, for this International Dark Sky Week, the friends of Mayo Dark Skies have organised a series of online events to inspire you. There's a great range of topics covering all interests. The events are free but you have to register in advance here. For the full programme of events, see IDSW 2021

🌠🌠🌠

Friday, 2 April 2021

Happy Easter

Wishing all Club members a Happy Easter-Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh. 

Many people say they prefer Easter to Christmas. Both have their origins in pagan festivals and although maybe less known, there are certainly traditions recorded in the archives of the Folklore Commission for these next few days. Many seem  more pagan than Christian, especially those associated with the sun. 

This year, Easter falls at the very beginning of April. The first few days of this month are associated with the story of the Bó Riabhach or the brindled cow. Once upon a time, March was shorter than it is now and at the beginning of old April, the Bó Riabhach began to complain about the harshness of the previous month. March at first took little notice, but as the complaining got worse, it decided to teach the cow a lesson. It duly borrowed three days from April, and made them so wet and cold that the Bó Riabhach perished. The story is recorded in another form in the archives of the Folklore Commission for Co. Roscommon, although the brindled cow meets the same fate. 'The three first days of April are called the Rábhach days. The old people say that there was a boastful old cow and when the month of April came she galloped round the field and boasted that she was sure to live when March was passed. When March was passed. When March heard this it got angry and borrowed three days from April and killed the old boastful cow.'

The Folklore Commission also records several stories associated with Eastertime, particularly Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  

From Pollremon, Co, Galway, a school pupil wrote 'On Good Friday the people cut three bits of their hair. No blacksmith works and no one ploughs on that day. People perform their stations in the church also....From twelve to three o'clock on Good Friday people would not leave anything hanging up.'

In Co. Meath 'Eggs collected ...on Good Friday is the cure of a headache. No blood should be shed on Good Friday. When a child would be hung(a)ry on Good Friday they should be let cry three times before (they) it would get any-thing to eat. On Good Friday evening when the people would collect the eggs they would make the sign of the cross on the eggs with soot and them would be the first eggs to be eaten on Easter Sunday morning.'

In Claremorris, Co Mayo  '...some people cut a bit of their hair, for a sacrifice and people always try to sow crops on Good Friday because they never fail. It is very bad to cut your nails on Good Friday because they will never grow. The old people used to shave their horses that day.'

Also in  Claremorris, '
On Easter Sunday morning some people look to the sun and they say that it dances about six o clock. On Sunday morning also it is a custom to eat three or four eggs for your breakfast. Long ago when the people fasted all during lent they made a feast on Easter. They went outside with a big pot and boiled eggs in it. They sat down and kept eating eggs until they sickened themselves. The woman of the house used to hide eggs in the garden. Everyone in the house would look for the eggs and as many eggs as they would get they could eat them for their breakfast
.'

So, whatever your belief, or even if you have no belief at all, take heart from the ancestors and enjoy the next few days. 

See www.dúchas.ie for further folklore from the Schools Collection. 





Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Notice of Mountaineering Ireland AGM

 

Mountaineering Ireland's Annual General Meeting

Monday 29th March 2021 at 7:00pm

The Board gives notice that the Annual General Meeting of Mountaineering Ireland has been scheduled for Monday 29th March 2021 at 7:00pm.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the AGM will be held online via Zoom and Delegates will be required to register in advance.

Clubs with 100 full members or less are entitled to appoint two Delegates. For every 50 full members above 100, a Club may appoint an additional Delegate, subject to a maximum of 12 Delegates.

Can all Club Secretaries please confirm the Delegates in advance of the AGM (include their name, email address and membership number) to 
info@mountaineering.ie by 5pm on Thursday 25th March 2021 and for individual members, please do likewise, as this will help to facilitate the registration process.

The Agenda of the AGM is as follows:
1.    Adoption of Standing Orders
2.    Adoption of Minutes of the 2020 AGM
3.    President’s Address
4.    Election to Full Membership of Aspirant Clubs
5.    Company Secretary’s Report
6.    Approval of Financial Statements for 2020
7.    Appointment of Auditor for 2021
8.    Statements regarding Safeguarding and Anti-Doping
9.    Motions - Proposed amendments (2) to the Constitution of Mountaineering Ireland
10.  Election to the Board of Mountaineering Ireland

The documentation for the AGM is available here: 
https://www.mountaineering.ie/aboutus/news/2021/?id=344

 

Monday, 1 March 2021

Solvitur ambulando - it is solved by walking. Notes on the Camino de Santiago.

A number of Roswayers have walked some or all of the Camino de Santiago routes and a few have walked them more than once, so I thought it might be idea to share some knowledge and advice here for any Club members who are thinking of doing it. A word of warning though-there's currently no non-essential travel to Spain or Portugal. So, if, like me, you have your bag packed for the last six months and your nose is pointed in the direction of Dublin airport-hold fast. This post is only meant to inspire a future plan. 

The Camino de Santiago or Way of St James is not just one route-it's a number of routes through different parts of Spain, France and Portugal, all of which converge in the magnificent medieval city of Santiago de Compostela, the third holiest city in the Christian world after Rome and Jerusalem. Many of the routes follow ancient Roman or pre-Roman roads across the Iberian peninsula. 

The Camino Frances or French Way, which is probably the busiest route, starts from the border town of St. Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and extends westwards for about 800 kms (approximately 500 miles) across the top of Spain. The Camino Inglés, or English Way extends from the north-western coastal town of Ferrol and heads southwards to Santiago. Although it is known as the English Way, as it was the route walked by English pilgrims, it was also the arrival point for Scandinavian and Irish travellers. The Camino Inglés can be completed comfortably in 5 to 6 days and is a good option if your time is limited. It is less busy than many of the other routes, and accommodation options are quite good. 


There's also a shorter option on the Inglés, starting in A Coruña, the location of a still functioning lighthouse which has stood at the mouth of the harbour since the first or early second century AD. According to the Irish annals, the town is said to have been founded by Breogan, a Celtic warrior who built a tower there-the precursor of the Roman lighthouse. Breogan's grandson, Mil, later set out from this corner of Spain to defeat the Tuatha De Danaan and rule Ireland. There can be no doubt of the connection between both countries. Apart from the cultural similarities, the stone walls, furze bushes and the odd shower of sideways rain make some sections of the route seem like home. 

The Camino Portugués or Portuguese Way officially starts in the capital city, Lisbon, though many chose to start in Porto or the beautiful town of Tui, on the northern bank of the Minho River, which marks the border between Spain and Portugal, and walk northwards from there towards Santiago.  There's also a coastal option on this route and plenty of local specialty wine  and food to be enjoyed. Galician hospitality is second to none.

The Finisterre route, which goes from Santiago to the coastal town of  Finisterre (or Fisterra in gallego), the most westerly point in Spain, follows the route of pagan pilgrims, who believed it to be quite literally the end of the world (finis terra). It was once the location of a temple to the sun known as the Ara Solis. The Finisterre route is the only one which starts, rather than finishes, in Santiago. It's  relatively short (90kms) and takes you through some amazing landscapes, including a deep gorge where Neanderthal remains have been found. The antiquity of the place seeps from the stones. Most people walk to the lighthouse at Cape Finisterre, which guides ships around the infamous the Costa da Morte, where you will find a Camino waymarker marking Kilometre 0-the end of the road. 

It's a pretty powerful place-where the sea and land and sky meet in unfettered wildness.

There's plenty of information on the internet on all the different routes-too many to go through here. A great starting point for Irish pilgrims is the Irish Camino Society website which can be accessed here. If you are choosing to travel on the Camino as a pilgrim (and who wouldn't!), you will need a pilgrim passport (credencial), which you can get from them before travelling (see here).  You'll need to get this stamped at different places on your walk such as bars, churches, albergues (hostel-style pilgrim accommodation) etc. during the day if you wish to get the official certificate (Compostela) at the end of your trip. You will also have to walk in excess of 100kms/cycle 200kms and undertake the journey for cultural or spiritual reasons in order to qualify for the Compostela at the end of your journeywhich can be obtained from the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago. 

You don't have to stay in the albergues as there's a varied range of accommodation from small hotels/pensions/private hostels to B & B style accommodation. Along the main routes this is well set up but somewhat less so on the quieter or less frequently travelled routes. The internet is your friend in this case, but word of mouth is even better. If you decide to stay in the albergues, occasionally you can book in advance but more often than not you can't and will just have to hope for the best. It is part of the experience but it's just not for some people, so do your research and let that inform your decision. 

There's a well-visited forum at https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/ with numerous lists of accommodation and information on routes. John Brierly, an Irish author, has published many guides on the routes with accommodation. These are available in the library or in bookshops. A good tip is just to bring photocopies of the pages you need, rather than lugging a whole book with you. 

One of the biggest fears most people have is that they'll get lost. Firstly, all of the main routes are well marked-follow the yellow shell symbol (as in the pic) or yellow arrows. They're everywhere. Secondly, the likelihood is that you will be walking within a group and although you should always keep an eye out for yourself, following the herd is perfectly acceptable on the Camino. If you want backup, there are numerous apps and maps and who hasn't been coaxed along the road by a proud local wishing you a Buen Camino and steering you in the right direction using the international language of hand gestures!

This leads to the question of what to bring with you. It's a hard one to answer. Travelling light is always best and, trust me, you won't use a third of what you have in your rucksack. If you don't want to carry everything on your back, there are transport services available which will collect your luggage from one place and drop it off at your next stop or at a place of your choosing. The Spanish post office, Correos, has an excellent luggage transfer service but there are numerous local transport companies that will do the same (see https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/en/rucksack-transfer).  

Of course, these tips are for those who wish to travel independently and organise their own trip. If this isn't for you, there are many Irish-based companies who offer to organise everything for you. 

The Camino de Santiago, whichever route you choose, deserves its mythical status. While many say it changed their life, at a basic level is will take you out of your comfort zone and loosen you up.  Having nothing to do all day, day after day, but walk for hours through a beautiful country, feeling the kind of peace you get from long walk and being grateful for a bed and shower and some food and a glass of wine at the end of it. Not to mention the people you meet and stories you hear. 

Even if you think you're not looking for anything, you'll find something. 

All photos ©F. Maguire. Please do not reproduce without permission. 


Monday, 15 February 2021

Ballinasloe to Broadway


Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre are launching a challenge on March 1st-Ballinasloe to Broadway. Would you like to be part of the fun and help complete the distance of 5000 km? Walk or run when it suits you and help raise vital funds for the Theatre in the process. For further information please contact Frances Leahy 087 2220282. 



Thursday, 11 February 2021

Athlone to Ballinasloe Greenway

The Athlone to Ballinasloe Greenway group have sent on some information regarding the Athlone to Ballinasloe section of the proposed greenway/cycleway and are encouraging all clubs involved in sports to get behind the project and have their say. 

Five proposed routes have been selected, three of which go through Ballinasloe. To view the routes, see https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/6414124/10/

The group is anxious to get as many submissions as possible in support of Routes 1 and 3 to ensure that this project will be routed through Ballinasloe and its surrounding areas. They say:

'This facility would be extremely positive for all our families, clubs and businesses in Ballinasloe and in its surrounding areas in terms of:

· Health, fitness and well-being promotion;

· Social and economic regeneration;

· Rejuvenate areas with multiple links and loops;

· Suitability for all ages and all abilities with zero exclusion;

· Excellent safe leisure experience for locals and visitors
.'

If you wish to send in a submission outlining which route you think is best and stating the reason why, you can do so online via https://bit.ly/3thHnu6 or by post to the Galway to Athlone Cycleway Project Office, Ballinasloe Library, Society Street, Ballinasloe. You can also drop your submission into the project office (taking care to observe Covid advice). 

Contact details for further info: Email: info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com or Tel: (091) 509267


Sunday, 31 January 2021

MI Hillwalking Committee vacancies

Mountaineering Ireland are inviting members to put themselves forward for one of three available positions on the Hillwalking Committee. If you think you have the skills, enthusiasm and time to help, please submit an expressions of interest, including a brief overview of your background and skills to ruth@mountaineering.ie before the 28th February 2021. Click here for further information. For information on the role and work of the Hillwalking Committee see here

Tuesday, 26 January 2021

Spring in your step challenge

 The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has been in touch to say that they are running a fundraising campaign to help the 64,000 people in Ireland currently living with dementia. 

The challenge is to walk or run 64km, 64,000 steps or 64 laps during the month of February. You can even come up with your own ‘64’ based challenge if you wish. Follow this link for further information and to register. The registration fee is €20, although you are more than than welcome to fundraise more if you like.

You simply need to record your daily runs or walks over the month of February for the challenge and share the results when you complete the challenge.



Wednesday, 20 January 2021

Online winter hill skills training classes

Mountaineering Ireland are to be congratulated on their commitment to their members during this pandemic. In addition to a second series of 'zooming 'round the mountains' (see earlier post),  Training Officer Jane Carney is teaching a series of online winter hill skills classes. There are two dates remaining (21st and 24th January). For further info and to register click here.

Recordings of previous classes are here

Sunday, 17 January 2021

Mountaineering Ireland talks series resumes

Those who took part in Mountaineering Ireland's  'Zooming 'round the mountains' series of online talks late last year will be pleased to know that they are running a second series, commencing on Tuesday January 26th 2021. Details of the various talks can be accessed here. Topics cover challenge walks,  photography, geology, map-making, walk leading and the flora of the uplands. The talks are free to MI members but pre-registration is required (you'll need your membership number to hand for this). There's a €10 charge for non-members. 

Tuesday, 12 January 2021

Rings around the moon and other weather lore...

Last week nine people had to be rescued from the Devil's Ladder on Carrauntoohil. They couldn't descend, as the water which usually runs down it had frozen solid. The temperature up there was a reported minus seven degrees (here's a link with photographs in case you want to see what conditions were like for yourselves). Apart from the fact that we are asked not to travel outside of 5kms of our homes at the moment, the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team reminded people that they shouldn't be on any mountain in those conditions without winter climbing experience or the proper gear. You'd think that any ordinary mortal looking out the window any day last week would have stayed at home and left the adventures for another non-Covid day. 

Checking the forecast is one of the basic rules of hillwalking and something you should always do before heading out. Technology means that forecasts are far more accurate and localised than ever before. The current temperature is a standard feature on smartphones, as is an hour-by-hour forecast for anywhere in the world. If something more technical is to your taste, then the internet is your friend. 

Weather watching is a pursuit for many, but by no means a modern phenomenon. Mary Warde, a pupil in Creagh NS, recorded some weather lore during the Irish Folklore Commission's School's Project in 1938. As the then school principal, Liam Ó Neachtain observed, 'Everything... (in this project) was obtained by children from their parents, who in numerous instances, heard same from their own parents'. Mary noted that the signs of good weather were: 

Sunset January 8th 2021, Kellysgrove, Ballinasloe © B. Lyons

'When the swallows fly high in the air.
When the colour of the frogs darken.
When the sky is red in the evening.
When there is a ring around the moon.
When the wind comes from the north.
When the smoke goes up the chimney straight.'

Whether it was deliberate or not, signs of bad weather were more numerous:

'When the cat sits near the fire.
When there are three blue blazes in the fire.
When the swallows fly very low.
When the wind is blowing from the South.
When you see a black ring around the moon.
When you see an ass with his back to the wind.
When the seagulls come in on land.
When soot falls down the chimney .
When the ink pad softens.
A rainbow in the sky is the sign of broken weather.
When the sky is dark and cloudy.' 

Whichever means you choose to tell the weather, just make sure that you take it into account when planning your walk.