43 individuals completed this years 5
Peaks sponsored hill walking challenge in aid Strokestown
GAA clubs new grounds development. At 6 am on Saturday
August 2nd the hiking group gathered at The Percy French
Hotel to head of to Murrisk in Co Mayo for an early morning
hike up Croagh Patrick. At this stage of the morning
conditions were not good with low cloud and rain persisting.
Shaggy wanted to go back to bed but Corky insisted that the
weather at the reek would be better. With the assistance of
his own personal sat nav (AA roadmap), Corky had had the
group at the base of the reek by 8 am. After one good
downpour the weather cleared and the group proceeded to
reach the summit of Croagh Patrick in good time. Climbing
conditions proved to be tricky as heavy rain during the week
had made the reek trek quite slippery in places. After a
delicious lunch in The Tavern Restaurant the group headed of
to County Sligo for a walk at Lough Talt in the Ox
Mountains. At
this stage the sun was shining and everyone
was very impressed with the beautiful scenery at Lough Talt.
Next stop was Knocknarae in Strandhill and again the weather
was on our side. As the sun came out and the temperature
increased the group made a rapid ascent up to Queen Maeve’s
cairn. Fantastic views from the summit were the order of the
day. Slieve Liegue in Donegal was visible over Sligo and
Donegal Bay. To the west Downpatrick Head in North Mayo came
into view.
On return to the car park back up had
arrived. Patricia and Maeve brought tea and fresh sandwiches
to replenish the troops and that it did. With renewed energy
the group headed of to Castlebaldwin for a fantastic walk up
to the Carrowkeel Tombs on top of the Bricklieve Mts. Again
stunning scenery was the order of the day. Corkys driving
skills were well tested as he negotiated narrow roads and
tight turning spaces. A minor hitch on the final leg (the
bus broke down !) couldn’t dampen the spirits of the group.
As darkness was approaching there was a slight change in
plan. The group went to the Percy French Hotel first and
enjoyed a great night into the early hours and then early
the next morning Sliabh Bawn was conquered.
The development committee would like to
sincerely thank all those who took part in this years 5
Peaks Challenge and especially those who travelled from
Dublin, Kildare, Derry and Letterkenny. We thank all those
who have supported our climbers by way of sponsorship over
the last number of months. Sincere thanks to our main
sponsor, The Percy Hotel and Mr Leo Cox who’s continues
support ensures a successful event. Thanks also to Percy and
Francis Hanly of Hanly’s Spar Supermarket and Conor Silke (
C&C) for providing snacks and refreshments for the event.
On the day itself we would
like to thank Tom Corcoran for safely hauling us around the
country and keeping us on schedule. To Fozzy, Paul and Kevin
who were on hand in the event of any accidents and to
Patricia O Beirne and Maeve Hanly who travelled to Sligo and
supplied the group with tea and sandwiches. All funds raised
are being used in the development of Strokestown GAA
Clubs new grounds at Lisroyne. An approximate 2 million euro
investment by the club will provide top class sporting
facilities for the Strokestown community for future
generations.
this stage the sun was shining and everyone
was very impressed with the beautiful scenery at Lough Talt.
Next stop was Knocknarae in Strandhill and again the weather
was on our side. As the sun came out and the temperature
increased the group made a rapid ascent up to Queen Maeve’s
cairn. Fantastic views from the summit were the order of the
day. Slieve Liegue in Donegal was visible over Sligo and
Donegal Bay. To the west Downpatrick Head in North Mayo came
into view.
The development committee would like to
sincerely thank all those who took part in this years 5
Peaks Challenge and especially those who travelled from
Dublin, Kildare, Derry and Letterkenny. We thank all those
who have supported our climbers by way of sponsorship over
the last number of months. Sincere thanks to our main
sponsor, The Percy Hotel and Mr Leo Cox who’s continues
support ensures a successful event. Thanks also to Percy and
Francis Hanly of Hanly’s Spar Supermarket and Conor Silke (
C&C) for providing snacks and refreshments for the event.
On the day itself we would
like to thank Tom Corcoran for safely hauling us around the
country and keeping us on schedule. To Fozzy, Paul and Kevin
who were on hand in the event of any accidents and to
Patricia O Beirne and Maeve Hanly who travelled to Sligo and
supplied the group with tea and sandwiches. All funds raised
are being used in the development of Strokestown GAA
Clubs new grounds at Lisroyne. An approximate 2 million euro
investment by the club will provide top class sporting
facilities for the Strokestown community for future
generations.
