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News, June 16th, 2013

The last Sunday in June, the day of the Galtee Challenge and Crossing, is fast approaching and anyone wishing to take part in the event is reminded that they should register before June 24 to ensure a place. Details and a registration form are available on our website, galteewalkingclub.ie.
On Sunday last George Keogh's B walk was in the Galtees when 10 people took on the peaks of Cush and Galtybeag with a couple of lakes thrown in for good measure. At the start of the 14km trek the weather was reasonably good but by the time they reached Galtybeag it had turned to blizzard conditions calling for a quick descent to the shelter of Lough Diheen. From there they followed the contour of the hill to visit Curra before returning by the Ice Road. Many thanks to George and a special welcome to Stephanie from Ballycarron and Geraldine from Limerick.
The C walk was a lot less challenging for the 36 people who turned up in Clogheen for Vinnie Normoyle's visit to Bay Lough. All along the paths to the lake the rhododendrons were in full flower on every side giving an almost tropical feeling despite the light mist. It's hard to imagine that such a beautiful plant is an invasive pest but such is the case. On returning to the village any calories lost on the walk were quickly replaced as Vinnie had arranged a wonderful spread of sandwiches and cakes in a local pub making it two weeks in a row that walkers have been treated to such fare. Thanks and well done Vinnie and thanks also to Nedeen's Bar for the hospitality.
Thanks to Anne O'Donnell for a lovely Wednesday evening walk from Cahir taking in Bane Hill and the surrounding woods.
Upcoming walks include Temple Hill on Wednesday evening, June 19, Mary Murphy's Solstice walk on Friday and the Moonlight Walk on Saturday.
The only club walk on Sunday next is Paddy Bourke's ascent of Galtymore, meeting in Skeheenarinky at 10am while Paddy also leads the evening walk on the following Wednesday from Clydagh Bridge. Full details on the schedule page.

News, June 9th, 2013

After the successful Aherlow Walking Festival it was back to regular club walking on Sunday last on a hot and sunny summer day. On such a day where better to be than by the cool and gently flowing waters of the River Suir as it winds it's way through the lush green Tipperary countryside. For his combined B and C outing Eddie McGrath brought 26 people from the starting point at Ballycarron Bridge along the riverbank, through Golden and on to the end of the Boreen Bocht at Camus. The highlight of the walk was undoubtedly a visit to the magnificent ruins of the 12th century Augustinian Abbey at Athassel, one of Ireland's hidden treasures, but there was much more to see and enjoy along the way. Other historic sites included Suir Castle at Ballyvada and Ballynahinch Castle and Castleleake closer to Cashel while nature provided a profusion of buttercups in the fields and hawthorn blossom in the hedges as well as glimpses of swans and a swimming mink or otter. All the while the river itself was the walkers constant companion on this most enjoyable visit to the waters and the wild.
As if the walk was not enough Peig and Eddie provided a bus to take everyone back to Golden and welcomed many to their home for a feast of sandwiches, tea and cakes. Many thanks to both and thanks also to the farmers along the river.
Thanks also to Mary O'Dwyer and Breda Ryan for the two most recent Wednesday evening walks. On June 12 the meeting point is the Mountain Road, Cahir at 7pm with Anne O'Donnell and on June 19 Brendan Sheils and Sheila Lenihan start from Anglesboro Village also at 7pm. On Sunday next, June 16, B walkers meet with George Keogh at Clydagh Bridge at 10am to climb Cush and Galtybeag while the C group will meet in Clogheen Square at 11am for a visit to The Vee with Vinnie Normoyle.

The Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival, 2013

The Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival, a 3 day festival of guided walks, took place over the June Bank Holiday weekend on the Galtees and Slievenamuck Hills. The festival base was at Lisvernane Village.
All walks were led by experienced members of the Galtee Walking Club, with a choice of A; B & C walks to suit all levels. Apart from some windy and foggy conditions on high ground on Saturday the weather overall was excellent allowing all participants to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Thanks is due to all who made the event such a success, including the walk leaders and stewards, the transport providers, Hillwalking Radio for the vital communications, all who fed the hungry walkers on their return, all who provided the registration and administration services at base and the GAA and stewards for parking. A special thanks to Helen and all at Aherlow Fáilte and the community of Lisvernane and the surrounding area.


Club's Festival photos
Hillwalking Radio's Saturday Festival photos
Hillwalking Radio's Sunday Festival photos

News, May 26th, 2013

The Glen of Aherlow annual walking festival commences next weekend and the club will be fielding three walks each day on Saturday and Sunday and two on Monday. This very popular festival draws hundreds of people into the glen and the club have some lovely walks planned on open mountain and forest tracks. Members are welcome to join in and can enjoy free walks on producing their club membership cards. Since large crowds are expected, a helping hand with stewarding may also be required. There is also some great craic and music planned for Saturday night in the Forge bar at Ballyglass House hotel. We wish all a very successful festival event.
Last Sunday Eddie McGrath led a lovely B walk for 14 walkers in dry and sunny conditions. Starting from Rock an Thorabh, Eddie took a novel route along the woodland path to O’Briens Well before crossing the Ballagh Road into Bansha woods where they lunched. Springtime features were all around from the fresh green of the beech, to flowering violets and wild strawberries. Circling around here, they arrived back at the Rock within four hours having covered some 17km. Well done Eddie and thanks too for that recent lovely Wednesday walk on the Ridge. These evening walks are proving very popular indeed with groups of 30 to 50 turning out and we thank all our volunteer leaders for giving their time and effort in facilitating these walks. We especially welcome Breda Ryan back to lead the June 5th walk from Lisvernane village at 7pm.
The A walkers had over 5hrs in the higher peaks and covered 21km with leader, Tom Lyons. It was cold and wet up there for walkers and winter weary sheep alike and yet there was a good sprinkling of walkers out and about. Tom’s route up was east of the Black Road, making their first ascent to point 444. Then crossing over the road, they took on Knockeenatoung and proceeded over to the air crash memorial. After a break, it was onto Galty Beag and further up to Galtymor. Following the Galty Wall and in worsening conditions, some decided to go for a shorter route home via Glounrough valley while the hardy rest pressed on in the rain to Lyracappul to take their route home via the Blackrock valley. Not for the fainthearted, but all got back safely. Salutations to Tom and his brave men.
Next weeks activities; There are no scheduled walks next Sunday as members will be busy with the Aherlow festival. Some members will also be away in Spain for a walk on the Camino. We wish them Buen Camino!

News, May 19th, 2013

The weather held and a good day was had by all three groups who took to the hills last Sunday. The ever popular C group drew 27 members for a glorious outing in the Comeraghs with Liam and Shane Doheny. Meeting in Kilsheelan village, they car pooled into the foothills of Knockanaffrin to make their way along forest tracks to the lovely Lough Mohra. Disturbed only by the feeding activities of fish on insect, the still calm waters of the lake were a meditative experience as the group lunched under Knockanaffrin, taking in the panoramic vista which stretched out to the horizon over Waterford. After a  round of the lake, Liam led the way back through ever extending circles of forest path to the pick up point. The afters are still to be reported on, where many took up Marion’s invitation to tea and cake down the road. Thank you Marion and Liam and Shane for all your effort and for a unique outing in the Comeraghs.
A change of plan saw Ann O’Donnell lead the B group out from Galtee Castle car park and into the lovely Blackrock Valley. Enjoying relatively balmy weather conditions, the first leg of the journey took them down to the Two Rivers and then along by the old famine wall. Taking the Zig Zag from there, they ascended to point 609 and took a break for lunch. From here they circled around to make their return journey home in high spirits, well pleased with this alternative outing.
Paul Ryan’s A walk was led by our esteemed chairman Tom, who stepped into the breach at the last minute to navigate a novel route of the Horseshoe in the Galtees. Starting from Clydagh, they took the path along by the river to ascend the north face of Galtee Mor. It was clear and warm on top, so a welcome lunch was enjoyed for a change! Then it was across to Galty Beg where they bid farewell to the ‘two seniors’ who decided to head back via the usual route of Cush and Clydagh. The ‘more youthful’ rest continued on to point 786 and then north to Knockastakeen. The final push was onto Cush and finally, with legs beginning to falter, they made it back to Clydagh after 6 hours of true A style endeavour. Well done all and thank you Tom.     
Next weeks walks Sun:  26nd May, Joe Brown will meet the A walkers at 10am at Galtee Castle car park for a hike in the Galtees. The B group will meet at 11am at Rock an Thorabh for a round of the Ridge with Eddie McGrath.   Wednesday evening walks continue as scheduled and thanks to Eddie for last week's loop on Slievenamuck.

News, May 12th, 2013

The May Wednesday evening walks got off to a wonderful start when 82 people turned up for a round of Con Traas’s Apple farm in Cahir and the surrounding farms. The club in indebted to the Traas family and the neighbouring farmers for facilitating this special walk which took in the meticulously laid out apple farm and the historic Moorstown castle across the fields. The evening finished in Traas’s farm shop where the walkers were able to slake their thirst on delicious apple drinks, courtesy of Con and family. The following week, Mary Ryan’s evening walk in Galbally drew 42 walkers who enjoyed a lively round of Darby’s Bed, having made a steep ascent from the Tipperary road side, to take in this ancient dolmen under threatening skies but which thankfully, held their load to the end.
Another threatening Sunday morning managed to stay dry for the 24 C walkers who enjoyed a most beautiful walk with Mo in the rhododendron bedecked woods of Glengarra. Proceeding along the banks of the gushing Burncourt river, the group did an extended loop into the foothills of the Galtees before making their way back on the opposite side of the river. As well as the glorious blooms, there were many Spring features to liven the senses, the pale green foliage of the larch, the wood anenomies and wild garlic in abundance.
The B group was facilitated by Danny and Rody who did a 4 hour loop of Slievenamuk, starting from Rock an Thorabh and proceeding to Bansha woods before looping around to return to the Rock having had a good workout and some fine craic too.
The A group were in Kerry and we look forward to hearing from them in due course.   
Next Sunday's walks: the A walk will meet with Paul Ryan at Clydagh Bridge at 10am and the B walk starting at the same time will meet with Ann O’Donnell at Galtee Castle car park. Liam Doheny will meet the c walkers in Kilsheelan village at 11am for a walk to Lough Mohra in the Comeraghs.

News, April 28th, 2013

An excellent turnout of 49 people attended Danny Bailey's Wednesday evening walk on April 24th and enjoyed a 10km loop walk on forest tracks from Christ the King which took in part of Bansha woods. Thanks to Danny for a lovely walk and for ensuring that everyone could complete the course at their own pace.
Willie Ryan’s Sunday B walk saw 20 walkers participating in an extended 12km version of the Canon Sheehan Loop in Glenanaar Forest, named after the author and parish priest of Doneraile whose 100th anniversary occurs this year. The early part of the walk followed the Ogeen River which marks the boundary between Limerick and Cork, through what Christopher Somerville described as "Tolkien trees with weird moss beards" before meeting the Mass Rock in the woods. Seasonal sights and sounds were enjoyed by all in the carpets of wood anenomies and the rumoured call of the cuckoo. With thanks to Willie for this special outing.
The A walkers were in the Comeraghs with William O’Neill and a group of nine walkers for a 4hr round of Lake Coumshingaun. Meeting in an overcast Kilclooney wood near Leamybrien, they took off to scale the rocks around the lake and gaze down on its surprisingly calm waters. Weather conditions were patchy with mist and showers at times but a sunny end to a most enjoyable and energetic hike. Wel done and thanks to William.
There are no club walks on Sunday next as the Ballyhoura Festival is taking place over that weekend and many members will avail of the great choice of walks on offer. The Wednesday evening walk on May 8 meets in Galbally Village at 7pm with Mary Ryan for a loop to Darby's Bed. On the following Sunday, May 12, Dave Kiely's A walk meets at Kate Kearney's Cottage, Killarney, at 9am, Gerry Ryan's B walk meets at Rock an Thorabh Car Park at 10am and Mo Larkin's C walk meets at Glengarra Woods Car Park at 11am.

News, April 21st, 2013

Thanks to Ray Coleman for a lovely evening walk on April 17, when 31 people enjoyed the Nature Park and the tracks along Slievenamuck, well sheltered from the blowing gale. Thanks also to the club members who helped with the Galtee clean-up on Saturday last. Along with walkers from several other clubs, they left the area around the Glen in a much cleaner state than they found it and hopefully anyone thinking of dumping there in future will think twice and take the legal option.
There were two club walks on Sunday last. Brendan Sheils held a moderate A walk in the Nagles Mountains, meeting in the village of Ballyhooly. In mild and sunny conditions Brendan brought the group of 9 on a varied and interesting loop, taking in the peaks of Knocknaskagh (428m), Seefin (424m) and the point known locally as Suíochán Mna Finne (407m). On such a clear day the views in all directions were excellent, from the Boggeragh Mountains to the west, the Ballyhouras and Galtees to the north and the Comeraghs and Knockmealdowns to the east. In all this was a 16km loop completed in just over 4 hours. Thanks, Brendan, for the walk and all the preparation that went into it.
Roger Lonergan, for his first outing as facilitator, chose to lead a group of C walkers to Lake Muskry. Such was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere on the walk that it was renamed the C&C or Chill and Chat walk as the group of 21 made their way to the lake in the pleasant sunshine. For some it was their first visit to Muskry, made all the more enjoyable by the leisurely 30 minute lunch break and the sight of young lambs along the way. Thanks and well done to Roger and thanks also to Pat Donovan for the assistance.
On Sunday next, April 28, the A walkers meet at Kilclooney Wood car park at 10am with William O'Neill to climb around the spectacular Lake Coumshingaun and beyond. Willie Ryan will lead the B walkers on the Glenanaar Loop in Ballyhoura country, meeting in Kilfinane at 10am. David Stapleton's Wednesday evening walk on May 1 meets at the Apple Farm on the Cahir, Clonmel road at 7pm.

Galtee Clean-up, April 20th, 2013.

Eight members of the Galtee Walking Club joined over twenty other walkers from as far away as Limerick and Cork on a clean-up in the Glen of Aherlow area on Saturday, April 20th. Splitting into groups they spent close to three hours gathering rubbish in the areas of Christ the King statue and Rock an Thorabh as well as the tracks into Lake Muskry and Cush Mountain. Afterwards all returned to the Aherlow tourist office for welcome tea and cakes.
Thanks to all who made the effort to attend and thanks also to Helen and Aherlow Failte.

News, April 14th, 2013

There's plenty of opportunities for walking these days as the Wednesday evening walks have begun and will run in parallel with the Sunday walks until the Galtee Crossing at the end of June. A good turnout of 40 people attended the first evening walk of the season on April 10 and after a welcome from our chairman, Tom Lyons, Rita Hickey took them on the 2 hour Glencush loop from Clydagh Bridge. The good attendance shows that these outings remain as popular as ever.
There was no rest for Rita as she was back at Clydagh Bridge again on Sunday with a combined group of 19 B and C walkers. Weather conditions were poor with rain and strong winds so Rita wisely decided to change her original plan of climbing to Lake Curra and opted instead for the more sheltered forest tracks in the area. This gave the opportunity to some to opt for a short walk while others carried on for close to 4 hours, accompanied all the time by the sounds of the wind and flowing water. Many thanks to Rita and to George for sweeping. 
Similar weather conditions faced the 11 a walkers on Tom Lyons' 21km, 4.5 hour A walk following the Avondhu Way from Araglin to Clogheen. The first and highest peak of the day was Farbrega at 518 metres followed by a detour to find the waterfalls at the top of the swollen Araglin river, a first viewing for all present. With the wind at their backs now the pace was lively and spirits high as they headed for Bay Lough and the descent to Clogheen. Thanks to Tom and to Rody for the bit of bird spotting.
On Saturday, April 20, there is a Galtee clean-up morning, meeting at the Glen Hotel, Aherlow at 10am. This is an opportunity to give something back to the places we walk and undo some of the damage done by the thoughtless dumpers. The bigger the attendance the easier the work will be for everyone so hopefully there will be a good turnout on the day.
There are 2 walks on Sunday next, April 21. Brendan Sheils has a moderate A walk in the Nagles Mountains meeting at Ballyhooly Church Car Park at 10am. There is an optional carpool point for this walk at the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown, leaving at 9:30am. Roger Lonergan, on his first outing as walk leader, will take the C walkers to Lake Muskry starting from Rossadrehid Waterworks at 11am. The evening walk on April 24 meets at Christ the King statue at 7pm for 2 hours on forest tracks with Danny Bailey.

News, April 7th, 2013

The regular club walks are back on track again after the very successful Slievenamuck Marathon and a break for Easter. On Sunday last 24 B walkers joined Anthony O'Brien at Kilcoran Lodge Hotel for a most enjoyable 4 hour, 11.5km loop. For many participants this was an introduction to an unfamiliar part of the Galtees making the walk all the more interesting. Taking forest paths from the hotel, Anthony's route brought the group on to open mountain and down to cross the Glennyreea river at a carefully chosen point above a waterfall. Everywhere the colours were various shades of beige and brown with not a green blade of grass to be seen following the recent harsh weather. From the river the group moved west to visit the ruins of an old lime kiln and what was, in its day, a substantial stone built house. Then it was back in an easterly direction to cross the river again with some climbing to pick up tracks back to the forestry and the hotel. To make the day complete Kilocoran Lodge had laid on tea, coffee and biscuits in a private room for all the walkers. Thanks to Anthony and the Cahir gang for all the work in preparing a new walk and to Kilcoran Hotel which makes an excellent base for walks in the area.
Patricia Butler had 20 C walkers on her 3 hour loop on Red Hill starting from the village of Hollyford. The gender balance may have been a bit tilted with 17 women and 3 men but all enjoyed the lovely scenery and views in ideal walking weather. Thanks and well done to Patricia and Pat.
The first Wednesday evening walk of the season starts from Clydagh Bridge on April 10 with Rita Hickey. On next Sunday, April 14, the A walk is a linear trip from Araglin to Clogheen over the western Knockmealdowns meeting at Clogheen Church at 10am for a bus to the start. Contact Tom Lyons if you plan on going. Rita Hickey leads a combined B and C outing to Lake Curra meeting at Clydagh Bridge at 10am. The 2 hour evening walk on April 17 starts from Aherlow House at 7pm with Ray Coleman.

News, March 24th, 2013

The Galtee Walking Club’s fifth annual walking Marathon took place on Sunday last over its now familiar route on Slievenamuck Ridge overlooking the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. On a dry but cold morning a record number of 110 participants arrived at Rock an Thorabh car park to register before Mary Ryan cut the tape to send them on their way. Although the route remains the same, the direction alternates from year to year and this time the eastern section was first with a 21km loop to Bansha Woods after taking in a section of the Aherlow Nature Park. The 44 people who had registered for the half Marathon completed their walk on arriving back at base but the other 66 continued on to complete the full event on the western section to Moor Abbey and back. While the marathon is mainly a walking event, some people chose to run and the first person to complete the course was Brian Ankers from Dublin in a time of 4 hours, 35 minutes. Brian was unhindered and maybe even spurred on by being shocked by an electric fence along the way. He was followed closely by Christopher Walshe in second place. The first walker home was club member, Liz Breen. Congratulations to them and to all who completed the course. The number of people expressing favourable comments and a wish to come back next year bodes well for the future of the event.
There are so many people to thank for their part in the successful running of the Marathon, particularly, of course, the main organiser, Rody Tierney. Thanks also to Josephine, Mary, Catherine and Breda for the organisational help, to Tom for the photography and to Sean, Helen and the Civil Defence for support along the route. Thanks to Mike and Joan for getting up so early to walk the entire route checking that all signs were in place. Thanks to all who placed the signs and to those who manned the checkpoints and provided sweeping duties on the route and anyone who helped in any way. The club also wishes to thank Coillte and the local farmers who generously allowed access to their lands.
Tom Lyons' photos of the Marathon can be seen here.
There are no club walks on Easter Sunday but normal services resume on Sunday, April 7 with an A walk meeting at the Nire Valley Car Park at 10am, a B walk meeting at Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir at 10am and a C walk starting from Hollyford Village at 11am. The evening walks also get under way the following Wednesday, meeting at Clydagh Bridge at 7pm.

News, March 17th, 2013

Saint Patrick's Day has not fallen on a Sunday in the ten years of the Galtee Walking Club's existence so last Sunday was the first time we had scheduled walks on the National Holiday. On a bright, dry and cool day, George Keogh lead a 13 strong group of B walkers on a 17km, 4 hour loop from Aherlow House Hotel. The route took them through the Nature Park to Christ the King statue and along the south side of the ridge to the Ballagh Road and on to the Bansha Woods car park for a lunch break. The return leg was along the tracks on the northern side with views to Tipperary and beyond, finishing with another visit to the Nature Park. Thanks to George for a lovely walk, greatly enjoyed by all and a special welcome to mother and daughter, Sinead and Bella from Dublin and to Wolfgang and Eva from Austria.
Alec Lee on his first outing as C walk leader took his group of 20 around a most enjoyable 11km forest loop in Russellstown Wood south of Clonmel in the foothills of the Comeraghs. The route, incorporating part of the East Munster Way, provided wonderful views of all the surrounding mountain ranges, particularly the Knockmealdowns only a short distance away to the south-west. Thanks and well done to Alec for all the work in preparing and organising this walk and we look forward to many more. A special welcome to new walkers, Mary, Ann and Catherine.
Next Sunday sees one of the major club occasions with the holding of the annual Slievenamuck Marathon. The event starts from Rock an Thorabh car park at 9am and covers the entire length of the Slievenamuck Ridge. Full details are on the Marathon page.


B walk, Aherlow House to Bansha Woods, Sunday, March 17th, 2013. Leader George Keogh.


C walk in Russellstown Wood, Clonmel, March 17th, 2013. Leader Alec Lee.

News - March 10th, 2013

All praise for those 12 determined members of the A group who turned out on Sunday to prepare the westerly route of Slievenamuck Ridge for the upcoming Marathon. Staking out the route was a wet and time consuming undertaking, but well armed with drills, saws, cable ties and more, this gallant band of volunteers spared no effort to ensure that every kilometre of the route was made ready for the big event. Recent logging along the way meant that stretches were no longer navigatable, necessitating deviations here and there along the way. But Rody reported that all is now satisfactory to ensure safe passage for the walkers on Palm Sunday. They will be out again before then to work on the easterly section of the route and we hope the weather will be more favourable for them. We salute their dedication and look forward to the big day.
Also out in the rain for a mothers day hike were 17 B walkers with navigator, Mary Ryan, who took the group out from Lisvernane on a reverse circuit of the Dolmen route. This travelled via Ballynacourtny, zig zagging through the woods and up to the dolmen. It was bitterly cold with snow flurries along the way but some shelter was found for a brief lunch. They then made their way back down Monour Hill, through Ivorys’ farm, taking Carrolls’ boreen back to Lisvernane. A hardy but enjoyable few hours with thanks to Mary.
Next weeks walks, Sunday 17th March. George Keogh will lead a B walk, starting at 10am at Aherlow House. The C group will meet at 11am at Woodies car park, Clonmel for an outing in the Comeraghs with Alec Lee. Please see the schedule page for the new Spring walks schedule and for details of the Marathon on 24th March.

News - March 3rd, 2013

The club had three groups out on Sunday to enjoy the dry crisp weather conditions of this slow Spring. The A and C groups were on Slievenamuck Ridge, travelling in opposite directions and at very different paces too! The A group of 11, led by Danny Bailey went west from Bansha Woods past the millennium stone to Rock an Thorabh. Here they circled down and back via the nature park to Christ the King, where they had a welcome lunch break. Then it was back over the Ballough road and onto the car park, having covered 21km in just 4hrs. A great pre marathon exercise and no doubt, Rody would be well pleased with such a performance. Danny welcomed new walker, Bridgit Ryan from Clonmel who joined the group for this exhilirating ridge crossing. Thank you Danny.
 Coming in the opposite direction, the C group of 26, led by George Keogh, started out from Rock an Thorabh and taking a more leisurely pace, they crossed over the Ballough Road to Bansha Woods where they circled around to zig zag their way back through forest paths to the start. For newcomers, Josephine and Ann from Tipperary Town and Michael and Shane from Rathgormack this was a gentle introduction to hillwalking and greatly enjoyed all round. With thanks to George.
Rita Hickey Mooney led a short brisk B walk for 13 people in Ballydavid woods. The route took them up from the old hostel in Ballydavid, ascending sharply to the mast, then circling back via the gradually descending path, taking in the beech loop on the way and crossing back over the river to the hostel car park. Dry and overcast conditions with tantalizing glimpses of the sun, was the order of the day making for hazy visibility but a restful lunch break nonetheless. Rita was in her usual energetic form and welcomed new members, Jim, from New Inn and Pat and Eileen from Thurles. She also thanks helpers, Eddie and  Thomas and our photographer, David. Well done Rita and thank you.  
Next weeks walks: Sunday 10th March. The A group will be in Kerry, meeting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at 9am. Details, Dave Kiely 087 0927894. Mary Ryan will take the B group on the Dolmen Loop, meeting in Lisvernane at 10am.

News - February 24th, 2013

After a frosty start, Sunday turned out to be the perfect day for walking with blue skies and sunshine most of the time. Even the wind gave us all a break! Over on Slievenamon, Liam and Shane Doheny  led the perfect climb of this much loved mountain for the 14 (B) walkers who turned up in Kilcash village at 10am. Having summited via the usual path, Liam and Shane took a novel route and bearing in a northerly direction, they went on to the cairn on Sheegouna where they enjoyed exceptionally stunning views all round. Then proceeding onwards, they took the forest tracks, past the mass rock to the barrier where, earlier on, Liam had organized some cars to take them back to Kilcash. It was a new experience for the group and for Marion, her very first climb of Slievenamon! All thanks to the Dohenys for their splendid organization and for a great day out.
Rody Tierney was out navigating the western section of the Marathon route with the A walkers. 20 walkers took the challenge from Rock on Thorabh Car Park, across the Slievenamuk Ridge via the Shrough monument and down into Moore Abbey in Galbally. Lunch was had in warm sunshine before tracing their path back along the river and through the fields and forests. Early signs of Spring were evident all around from the lambs tails on the hazel bushes to the nascent yellows of the gorse. Good to see. Rody bids a new walker, Helen, welcome and hopes she enjoyed her first day out with the group.
Next Weeks Walks; Sunday March 3rd. Rody Tierney will be doing the prep for the Eastern section of the Marathon, starting with the A walkers at 10am at Bansha Woods car park. Rita Mooney will meet the B walkers at 10am Ballydavid Hostel (off the Rossadrehid Road) for a four hour loop walk. The C group meet at Christ the King at 11am for a forest loop with George Keogh. Note that the fixtures meeting will be on Thursday 7th at the Excel 8pm.

News - February 17th, 2013

The ever popular C group was out on Sunday with our very able leader Breda Delahunty who took over 30 people on a lovely loop walk of the woods around Ballydavid and Cappa. From a very windy start from the Lady Gregory Pub, they took the Blind Boreen into the welcome shelter of St Pecauns church and Well where Breda gave an informative talk on the history of this peaceful oasis. The well kept path was at it’s best, with a lovely display of snowdrops and daffodils along the banks of the stream. Then it was onwards and upwards through the woods, with a break for lunch before looping back east to the start point. Thank you Breda for a most enjoyable outing.
The B walk of 12 members was led by Anne O’Donnell, starting out from Mountain road in Cahir and heading up through forest tracks to summit on Bane Hill. The higher ground was a windy and somewhat chilly experience but the clear conditions afforded good distant views all around. With four hours of fresh air and a good leg stretch behind them, they returned to base in high spirits. With thanks to Anne for this.
Next Weeks Walks: Sun 24th, The A walkers will be joining Rody Tierney for a practice walk of the westerly section of the Marathon route. Meet at Rock an Thorabh car park at 10am. Liam Doheny will lead the B group on a climb of Slievenamon, meeting in Kilcash village at 10am. If you have a walk you would like to offer the club, we would love to hear from you. New walks can be submitted online here.

News - February 10th, 2013

Rugby concerns last Sunday saw a shortened A walk for this hardy band of walkers. But ten of them including three new walkers, took on Cush mountain, beating a novel trek up from Clydagh Bridge via the fire break to the northerly side. Conditions were good but a bit foggy, with left over snow visible in the gullies on the higher peaks. A lunch break was had at the summit before the group split, with some going further on to Lake Dineen and others making a return journey via O’Briens yard. All got back within four hours to enjoy the great match.
Liz Breen led her first walk for the club when she facilitated 16 of the B group in the Cappawhite area. This was a lovely forest track and road walk, covering 21kms, which took in Red Hill and the site of the crashed plane at the highest point of 440m. Afterwards, Liz and her sister shared her achievement with the group by providing delicious cream buns which were greatly appreciated by the hungry walkers. A nice touch. Congratulations and thanks to Liz.
The C group of 19 was led by Theresa Roche. Theresa was in her home territory in Bansha Woods and provided a lively circular route up by the castle and around by the millenium stone and the mast.  Sheltered in the woods, they were able to enjoy Spring like conditions for a change and with a strong contingent of young people in this group, there was a high energy and fun atmosphere to the hike. Many thanks Theresa.
Next weeks walks: Sun 17th feb, John O’Dwyer will lead the A group, meeting at Grubbs monument, the Vee at 10am for a walk in the Knockmealdowns. The B group meet at Mountain Road, Cahir at 10am for a climb of the Bane with Ann O’Donnell and the C group meet at 11am at the Lady Gregory pub for a forest path walk with Breda Delahunty. Please make a note of our upcoming Marathon on 24th March. See marathon page for details. We would be grateful for your help on this day. Offers please to Rody, 0872893505.

News - February 3rd, 2013

Last weekend the club was busy providing for the Aherlow Winter Walking festival, fielding three walks each day on Saturday and Sunday for the hundreds who travelled into the Glen for this annual event. Luckily the weather was on our side and visitors enjoyed some great walks in the  mountains and forests around the Glen. A big thanks to all our leaders and stewards for this great effort.
Next weeks walks: The A group will meet at Grubbs monument, the Vee, for a hike in the Knockmealdowns with John O’ Dwyer. Liz Breen will meet the B walkers at Cappawhite Church at 10am for a forest path walk. The C group meet at Bansha woods car park at 11am with leader Theresa Roche.

News - January 27th, 2013

A dark cloud hangs over the Galtee Walking Club following the news last week of the death of long time club member, John Walsh. John was a very popular member and leader and we all have fond memories of his walks in the Comeraghs and the Nire Valley in particular. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Mary and all his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. As a mark of respect to John all club walks scheduled for last Sunday were cancelled.
Looking to next weekend, the Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival goes ahead as planned and the scene is set for another successful event. Based at Aherlow House Hotel and organised by Aherlow Failte and the Galtee Walking Club, the festival features a choice of nine walks over the Saturday and Sunday on both sides of the glen. The degree of difficulty varies from the more strenuous five hour climbs on the Galtees to easier three hour loop walks on Slievenamuck. Evening events at the hotel include the festival launch on Friday and dinner and entertainment on Saturday. Full details are available on our website, galteewalkingclub.ie. We look forward to meeting all the visiting walkers and introducing them to this special corner of Tipperary.

News - January 20th, 2013

The snow-capped Galtees provided the location for two of our walks last Sunday as well as a dramatic backdrop for the third. Four A walkers started from King’s Yard on the southern side of the mountain. In cold but dry conditions they made their way through forest tracks and open ground to Seefin peak, then on to cross the Black Road and climb snow covered Knockeenatoung, at 601 metres, the highest point of the day. After a short break here to admire the beautiful views towards Galtymore they made their way back past the airplane crash memorial and across open country to reach the Attychraan River, which they followed back to the cars. A short but sweet A walk covering 8km in 2 hours.
The 10km, 4 hour B walk, lead by Brendan Sheils, was in preparation for the upcoming Winter Festival. Starting from Clydagh Bridge the group of 12 took the forest tracks to the Galtee Stile and the open mountain. Keeping close to the stream they climbed to reach the crest of the coum overlooking Lake Diheen at a height of 600 metres. They descended a short distance towards the lake to get some shelter for a lunch break before returning back to Clydagh on the same route. Thanks and good luck in the festival, Brendan and thanks also to Roger Lonergan for helping out.
The first outing as leader can be an anxious time for anyone but it becomes even more challenging when 39 people turn up at the start. This was the case for Mary O’Riordan and Sadie Ryan in Lisvernane on Sunday last. However, undaunted by the big numbers, Mary and Sadie lead the group around the 10km Dolmen Loop in a calm, relaxed and professional manner as if they had been leading for years. The focal point of the walk was the 5000 year old Shrough dolmen or portal tomb on the summit of the Slievenamuck Ridge. Thanks to Mary and Sadie and well done on a great start.
The Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival takes place on the first weekend of February and all three walks on Sunday next are in preparation for that event. Tom Lyons leads the A walk to Cush Mountain and Lake Borheen and Catherine Russell leads the B group to Lake Curra, both starting from Clydagh Bridge at 10am. The C walkers meet at Aherlow House Hotel at 11am with David Stapleton for the Rock an Thorabh loop.
The club extends its deepest sympathy to Mary Murphy and her family on the passing of Mary’s husband, Seamus.

News - January 16th, 2013

The concept of the leaderless A walk is proving to be popular with members. The flexibility to adjust the route to suit the circumstances and the ability to split the walk to facilitate different needs were demonstrated on Sunday last. Starting from King’s Yard, the group of 8 headed north through the Glounreagh Valley and wasted no time in reaching the fogbound top of Carrigeen Mountain. Here the attraction of rugby and soccer matches brought 5 people directly back to the start while the remainder carried on to drop into the Blackrock Valley and climb Knockaterriff (692m). The total distance was 14km, covered in a lively 3.5 hours.
The other two walks were in preparation for the upcoming Winter Walking festival at the start of February, both meeting at Aherlow House. Rita Hickey Mooney lead the 16 strong B group in an easterly direction past Rock an Thorabh and the Millennium Stone before completing a forest loop in a rarely visited section of Bansha Woods. The return leg brought them back across the Ballagh Road to Christ the King statue and the Nature Park, a perfect place to finish any walk. Thanks to Rita for this lovely 3 hour outing and thanks also to Danny and Loretta.
Eddie McGrath’s festival walk is the Ballinacourty Loop and 32 people, including some first time walkers, turned up to join him for this forest track circuit on Sunday. After 2 hours on the western section they returned to the barrier close to the hotel where the majority took the shorter route back to the cars with 7 others continuing on to take in the Nature Park and complete a 12km loop. Thanks and well done Eddie.
There's another leaderless A walk next Sunday starting again from King's Yard at 10am. The B walk meets at Clydagh Bridge at 10am from where Brendan Sheils will cover his Winter Festival route to Lake Diheen. Sadie Ryan and Mary O'Riordan will lead their first C walk for the club on the Dolmen Loop starting from Lisvernane Village at 11am.
As some readers may know there is a walk every Wednesday night from Christ the King statue in the Glen. This is not an official Galtee walk but many club members take part and enjoy the walk to the Ballagh Road and back. On Wednesday last there was a surprise in store for Paddy Bourke who was celebrating his birthday (one of those where the two digits change). As they approached the Millenium Stone, two witches, bearing a slight resemblance to Goretti and Eileen, approached along the road to surprise and greet Paddy. A birthday cake was produced and a presentation of a blackthorn stick was also made. Luckily Paddy had recovered enough to walk on Sunday and the blackthorn got it's first outing.

News - January 8th, 2013

Happy New Year to all our members and welcome back to last Sunday’s first footers on the mountains. All three groups were out in full fitness, starting at 10am with Owen Ryan and 11 walkers from the A group. Setting out from Clydagh Bridge, in exceptionally mild and calm conditions, their plan was to do the Glencush Horseshoe. But proceeding upwards, they were taken by surprise by sudden gale force winds which stopped them in their tracks at the Grassy Knoll. Anticipating worse to come, they decided to modify their plans and to stick to the lower ground. Their alternate route took them on a shorter 4hr meander of the foothills, along by the river and through forest paths to make their way safely back to Clydagh. With thanks to Owen for his expert navigation and wise judgment.
A lovely 4hr B walk, covering 22km, was led by Goretti Campbell in the Limerick Clare area. Starting out from Annacotty village, the 17 walkers followed the Mulkear river, joining the Shannon at UL and proceeding along its banks to Corbally. Then crossing the bridge into Clare, they paused at the Kilquane graveyard, before heading on to Parteen and Ardnacrusha. Sharing her in depth knowledge of this area, Goretti then took the group onto the headrace to follow the canal back over the county border to exit at the University. And because it was (thereabouts) Paddy Burke’s special birthday, the group repaired to the Black Swan pub in Annacotty for a small celebration. Happy birthday paddy and thanks to Goretti for her usual good humoured leadership.
Una Phelan was in her home territory with a dedicated band of 18 C walkers who enjoyed a lovely loop walk around the forest paths of Toureen woods. It was windy but mild and all were in great form as they took on the different levels of paths with great gusto. Una welcomed three new walkers who joined the group for the first time. The C group just keeps on growing in popularity and much of this is down to our enthusiastic leaders. Well done Una.
Next weeks walks Sun 13^th Jan: The A walkers will meet at King’s yard at 10am for a hike in the Galtees. There are two prep walks for the upcoming walking festival, both meeting at Aherlow House at 10am for the B walk with Rita and at 11am with Eddie for a shorter C walk. The walking festival takes place 2^nd & 3^rd Feb in the Glen of Aherlow. A preparatory meeting for the festival will be held at the Excel on 24^th Jan at 8pm.