NENAGH WALKERS TRIP TO BANTRY
Alas Sunday morning arrived all too quickly. Goodbyes were said as we went our separate ways. Some back to Tipperary in order to get home in time for the rugby match, some staying around for a few more hours not yet ready to let go of Cork, taking in Bantry House and Gardens, visiting Garnish Island, visiting Glengarriff and Gougane Barra.
From Thursday afternoon onwards Nenagh Walkers descended on Bantry, also arriving Friday morning and Friday evening. Greetings were said and once the journey down was discussed on what route was taken to get to Bantry, the walkers were ready for the weekend ahead. What lay ahead was a weekend that definitely had the X factor. All the required boxes were ticked for a walking weekend. Sunshine, good food, good and very comfortable accommodation and of course good company.
We set off Friday morning to take the ferry to Whiddy Island where Debbie met us and gave us a guided tour on the heritage and history of the Island. The walk finished in the Island's only pub, The Bank, where we got some food and drink and met a few of the locals. Back to the hotel then for an evening of relaxation. Saturday morning all up early, bright eyed and bushy tailed for our 17k walk around Sheep's Head.
Our bus driver Andrew enjoyed our company so much he decided to stay and walk with the group and it was an added bonus to have him with us to tell us stories about the area. We got to the light house at the tip of sheep's head safe and sound and then back to Bernie's cafe for lunch. We also met Andrew's lovely wife and twin daughters and nothing would do them only to invite us to their home for refreshments before we took the bus back to the hotel. Of course the walkers were delighted to accept this kind invitation.
The scenery that was around us on this walk is just beyond words. Definitely a little piece of heaven on earth.
The club is very lucky to have our own resident poet laureate Cyril. Two very appropriate recitations were given by Cyril and you could hear a pin drop while he spoke. Back to the hotel again then for a very tasty meal at the hotel.
Many the time over the weekend while we were walking our conversations turned to remember our recently departed member Willie Kennedy. Fond memories were recalled when Willie would have us all in tears of laughter. His spirit was with us as we took in the beauty that surrounded us this weekend and the club would like to extend sympathy to his family at this time.
A big thanks to Willie Keane for organising these fantastic walks over the weekend. Where to next Willie, we all wanted to know Sunday morning.
Thanks to Debbie and Andrew and family. Finally thanks to the West Lodge hotel for being so welcoming and making the weekend so enjoyable and stress-free.
Tuesday night walks continue around the by-pass Nenagh meeting at Tesco at 7.30 contact Martin 087 2562454.
Next Sunday walk is October 11th with a trip to the Burren is being planned. Further details soon.
Remember all welcome to do two walks with the club before joining. Come along and try it out.
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