December 2019 Newsletter

December 2019 Newsletter

Club Weekend Away 2019

For our 2020 weekend away, we are crossing the border into Northern Ireland, for a weekend in Kilkeel, Co. Down. This location will give us close proximity to the beautiful Sieve Donard area for walks. The weekend is priced at €170 for two nights’ B&B and an evening meal at the Kilmorey Arms Hotel. If you’d like to come, please pay a €50 deposit to Mary Murphy by the 7 January meeting, and the balance of €120 by 3 March. For more info and to give in your name, contact Mary Murphy on 087 2273825. Thanks to Mary for her hard work in organising the holiday.

Mulled Wine Walk

Before that, we have all the festive fun of the Mulled Wine Walk on the Ardmore Cliffs, happening this year on Sunday 15 December. It’ll be for our three charities again: Dungarvan Lions Club, West Waterford Hospice and South-East Mountain Rescue. It leaves Scanlon’s Yard in Dungarvan at 1.30pm and leaves from the main carpark in Ardmore at 2pm. Please bear in mind that there are works being done on this walk, to make the road more secure. Afterwards, there’ll be mulled wine, mince pies and much more. People are encouraged to bring along a flask of hot water for the refreshments afterwards.

Club Christmas Party

Last chance to get your names down for the club Christmas party, happening on Saturday 7 December at 7pm in Merries Restaurant, Dungarvan. We will have the upstairs area to ourselves this year, with space for 40 people. There’s a new price for the meal of €30 per person for three courses and a glass of wine. you can contact Ronagh on 087 7986753 for last-minute tickets.

Walk Report: Thursday C Walk in Carrigavantry, 24 October. Leaders, Norman and Derbhile Graham

This walk was at the end of October, but there was so much happening last month that the report was held over. This walk required the walkers to venture east to Carrigavantry Lake near the village of Fenor. Luckily, more than 20 walkers were adventurous enough to make the journey for the walk. This was led by Norman Graham, with a decorative role played by Derbhile Graham. Though Halloween feels long ago now, Derbhile is still feasting on the memory of picking up the ring in the barm brack. Though a good day was promised, rain did fall during the walk, but the woods provided shelter. The walkers also enjoyed stunning views of three counties from a hilltop.

If you have any news or walk reports you’d like included in the club newsletter, please contact club PRO Derbhile Graham, derbhile.graham@gmail.com.

A Snowy Mahon Falls

The weather has been very eventful of late, and last weekend, the mountains were covered with snow. Those mountains are covered with rain now, but here's a reminder of when our walkers walked through snow, as captured by Patricia Hurley. She was one of the walkers on a walk in the Mahon Falls area of the Comeraghs.

Two Contrasting Thursday Walks

On Thursday 14 November, our Thursday C walkers enjoyed brilliant sunshine in Ardmore, as captured in this pic by new member Sarah Northey.

Meanwhile, the Thursday B walkers trudged through snow near Melleray in the Knockmealdowns.

And though it didn't happen on a Thursday walk, I can't resist slipping in this picture of a fox spotted by C walkers in the Nire last Sunday. It's straight out of a Disney movie. Pic by Mary O'Shea. 

Club Weekend Away in Co Down - May 2020

Here's the word on the street about Dungarvan Hillwalking Club weekend away, on the May Bank Holiday weekend next year.

DHWC – Club weekend away May 1^st and 2^nd. 2020

Accommodation – Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Kilkeel, Newry, Co. Down.

2 nights B & B & 1 evening meal €170 PPS.

Extra Night + breakfast €50 PPS.

NO single rooms available, Rooms Allocated on first come basis.

Total of 7 triple rooms, (please arrange your own sharing).

Deposit of €50 PP by January 7^th (club meeting).

Balance by March 3^rd. 

Lots of good walks for all levels will be arranged.

November 2019 Newsletter

November 2019 Newsletter

Club AGM Happenings

We’re delighted to say that we were able to present cheques for €1,700 each to our three chosen charities at our AGM, which was held on Tuesday 1 October in the Park Hotel. We presented them to John Moran of West Waterford Hospice, Erich Baumann, representing Dungarvan Lions Club and Richard Dykes, represented SEMRA. We’d like to thank John Moran for coming to the meeting to collect his cheque.

A few committee changes were also announced. Tony Fitzgerald stepped down as chairman of the club at the AGM, and we’d like to thank him for his commitment and thoroughness over the last three years. He was replaced by Neil Fitzgerald. Marcus O’Halloran is our new website coordinator and Michael Daly is our new B walk coordinator. The others are remaining in their roles, and we wish our new committee the best of luck.

Club Fees Increase

Technically, our fees are not increasing, but we have removed our early payment discount and our couples discount. That means all members will now pay €40 each per year, regardless of when they pay or whether their partner is in the club too. The increase is happening because Mountaineering Ireland are increasing their fees for membership and they supply our insurance.

Club Christmas Party

Ronagh Baumann is now taking names for the club Christmas party, happening on Saturday 7 December at 7pm in Merries Restaurant, Dungarvan. We will have the upstairs area to ourselves this year, with space for 40 people. The price is €31.50 for a three-course meal and €26.50 for two courses. You can pick up tickets at the November club meeting on Tuesday 5 November or you can contact Ronagh on 087 7986753.

Spring Weekend Away

On the May Bank Holiday Weekend in 2020, the club will be heading to Kilkeele in Co. Down, close to the beautiful Sliabh Donard area, where we will be able to enjoy lots of beautiful walks. We will be staying in a place called Kilmurray Lodge. Mary Murphy will be revealing more details in the coming weeks.

Dates For Your Diary

SEMRA Long Way Round Walk, Saturday 23 November, Clonmel

Mulled Wine Christmas Walk, Sunday 15 December, Ardmore

If you have any news or walk reports you’d like included in the club newsletter, please contact club PRO Derbhile Graham, derbhile.graham@gmail.com.

Thursday Walk in Carrigavantry, Fenor, 24 October 2019

The Thursday C walkers ventured east for a walk around Carrigavantry Lake, Fenor, on Thursday 24 April. The walk was led by Norman and Derbhile Graham. The weather was mixed but the views were stunning. Photos taken by Derbhile Graham.

Sunday B and C Walk

Last Sunday, 13 October, the C walkers had a challenging C plus with John Power, which saw them ascend the Sugar Loaf. Veteran photographer Patricia Hurley was on hand to catch the action.

And the B walkers went on a moisture laden walk up Mahon Falls with Richard Dykes. Another veteran photographer, Michael Daly, took stunning pictures of waterfalls, amongst other views. 

Hillwalking Club Holiday in Croatia

Every year, our club takes a holiday abroad, and it's always an epic occasion. This year, 22 club members went to Croatia on a trip organised by The Travel Department. Club Secretary Ronagh Baumann organised the trip, for which much thanks. She also took some photos that capture the stunning scenery the walkers enjoyed. They returned home on Friday 11 October after a week away.

Here are Ronagh's luscious pictures.

Local Charities Presented with Cheques at AGM

We were delighted to present cheques to representatives of our three chosen charities at the club AGM on Tuesday 1 October. The cheques were for €1,7000 each and came from our events during the year, like the Mulled Wine Walk and the Comeragh Crossing.

Here's John Moran of West Waterford Hospice receiving their cheque. Outgoing chairman Tony Fitzgerald did the honours.

Erich Baumann accepted the cheque on behalf of Dungarvan Lions Club. 

And Richard Dykes accepted the cheque on behalf of South-East Mountain Rescue (SEMRA).

Photo credits: Peter Mangan

Wonderful Walk Photos

Changing skies were a feature of the Thursday C walk on 12 September last, and they were captured by Eibhlin Power. It was to Ballinard and it was led by John Power.

And here's a pic from Michael Daly's Sunday B walk to Knockshanahullion, taken by the man himself.

A Truly Splendid Cunnigar Crossing

What a time we had at the Cunnigar Crossing this year. What a turnout. And what a whopping amount raised. On Sunday 1 September 2019, more than 600 walkers turned out for the Cunnigar Crossing from Dungarvan to Ring. 

The walkers waded across the Cunnigar at low tide and then headed along Baile na nGall beach to the other side, where buses carried them back to Dungarvan. With the Féile na Maicréal festival in full swing, there was plenty of buzz for the walkers to enjoy, and we're delighted the festival organisers included us in their programme. 

Best of all, the bucket collection en route yielded a whopping €2,900. This will go to our three charities: Dungarvan Lions Club, West Waterford Hospice and South East Mountain Rescue. Heartfelt thanks to all who donated. It means a lot. 

Thanks also go to Peter Mangan, chief organiser of the walk, to John Browne, master of the tides, and to all the club members who helped ensure that the walk ran smoothly. Thanks for the bus transfers home, and thanks most of all to the huge crowd who came. It couldn't happen without you. 

Here are six fine photos that capture the spirit of the event. The first three are from Ann Mangan. 

And the second set of three photos are from Marcus O'Halloran. 

September Newsletter

August 2019 Newsletter

Walk Report: Comeraghs B Walk. By Marcus O’Halloran, walk Leader

The B walk in the Comeraghs on Sunday 18th of August started at Kilclooney wood in glorious sunshine. We had a total of 5 walkers. We started our climb up to Coumshingaun and as we looked up, we could see lots of walkers ahead of us on the hill. We did an odd stop to take in the view which was amazing in the summer sunshine. On the climb, we could see down into Coumshingaun Lake as we climbed up and over to the top. We then had our lunch looking down on the lake. 

After lunch, we made our way to 792, the highest point in the Comeraghs. The sun had now faded and there was a nice wind blowing.  Now heading eastwards, we crossed over to view the Boolas and then dropped down to contour over Crotty's Lake. We then made our way over, and crossing Iske Sullas, the sun had now come back out. We made our way back down and into Coumshingaun where we rested for a while and then made the final descent to Kilclooney Wood, only to be greeted by a Comeragh Fox on the way down. Walking time was 5 hours 46 min. The total height of all climbs combined during this walk was 914 meters. The length of the walk was 11k

Walk Report: Thursday C Walk in Tramore, 22 August. Walk Leader, Eileen Barrett

An impressive fifteen walkers ventured east for a walk on Tramore Beach with Tramore native Eileen Barrett. The weather forecast had been good, but the walk started out windy and cloudy, with sea spray blowing into our faces as we headed along a loop that looked out over Tramore’s hidden beauty, the Backstrand. We then went out onto the open beach and the weather started to clear. We rounded the end of the beach and our legs sank into soft sand as we walked by the sandhills. Cake was enjoyed at a small carpark overlooking the strand, after a walk of around 2.5 hours.

Walk Report: Thursday C Walk to Curraghmore, 29 August 2019

Walk Leaders, Margaret Kirwan and Stephen McCarthy

This was a truly splendid walk. It was the first club walk to the sumptuous Curraghmore Estate near Portlaw in East Waterford. Twenty-four walkers felt it was worth the trek east to give the walk a try, and for many of us, it was our first visit to the estate, so it was great to have excuse. Stephen and Margaret led us around the perimeter of the estate, and Stephen gave us some golden nuggets of information about the history of the estate. The walk lasted 1.5 hours, and the Great Dungarvan Bakeoff took place afterwards, as cake after cake was produced. The weather started dodgy, but we ended the walk in golden sunshine.

A Few Snippets of News

The Club AGM is on Tuesday 1 October at 8pm in the Park Hotel in Dungarvan.

The Comeragh Crossing on Saturday 6 July raised a whopping €1,700 for our three charities, Dungarvan Lions Club, West Waterford Hospice and South-East Mountain Rescue.

If you have a walk report or any news that you’d like included in the newsletter, contact Derbhile at dungarvanhillwalking@gmail.com.

Easy B Walk Attracts An Extra Guest

Marcus O'Halloran led an easy B walk on Sunday 18 August and took some fabulous photos.r easy B walks are designed for people who want to try out B walks. They may feel fitter or more confident in their walking abilities and want to see if they can manage a B walk. These walks help them make the transition.

Here is Marcus's walk report.

The B walk in the Comeraghs on Sunday 18th of August started at Kilclooney Wood in glorious sunshine. We had a total of 5 walkers. We started our climb up to Coumshingaun and as we looked up we could see lots of walkers ahead of us on the hill. We did an odd stop to take in the view which was amazing in the summer sunshine. On the climb, we could see down into Coumshingaun Lake as we climbed up and over to the top. We then had our lunch looking down on the lake. 

After lunch we made our way to 792, the highest point in the Comeraghs. The sun had now faded and there was a nice wind blowing.  Now heading eastwards, we crossed over to view the Boolas and then dropped down to contour over Crotty's Lake. We then made our way over, and crossing Iske Sullas, the sun had now come back out. We made our way back down and into Coumshingaun where we rested for a while and then made the final descent to Kilclonney Wood, only to be greeted by a Comeragh Fox on the way down. Walking time was 5 hours 46 min. The total height of all climbs combined during this walk was 914 meters. The length of the walk was 11km.

And in these beautiful photos, you'll spot the extra guest who came to join the walkers.

A Feast of Sunday Walk Photos

Sunday 11 August was a busy day for the club's keen photographers, and in this blog post, we feature six of the best, three from the B walk, three from the C walk.

Patricia Hurley led the C walkers on a picturesque wooded walk at The Vee. She captured the beauty of the walk in her pictures.

Meanwhile, the B walkers scaled the Knockmealdowns, and Goska Korejwo was on hand to capture their journey. They found some equine companions along the way.

Our B walk to the Nire Lakes on Sunday 4 August last was misty but marvellous. Michael Daly was on hand to capture the beauty of the lakes.

Club Newsletter August 2019

August 2019 Newsletter

Highly Successful Comeragh Crossing: By Richard Dykes

Dungarvan Hill Walking Club is delighted to say that this year’s Comeragh Crossing, held on Saturday 6 July, was a great success. The walkers were tested by thick fog, but they all made it back to the base at Kilgobinet Sports Centre. In total, 139 walkers took part, and raised funds for the club’s three nominated charities, Dungarvan Lions Club, South-East Mountain Rescue and West Waterford Hospice. Dungarvan Hillwalking Club would like to thank all who help make the Comeragh Crossing a unique event in Ireland’s walking calendar.

Excitement Builds for Cunnigar Crossing

Now that the Comeragh Crossing is behind us, all eyes will be on our next big walk, the Cunnigar Crossing. It’s happening on Sunday 1 September this year and meets at Garvey’s Supervalu in Dungarvan at 1pm. The walkers will then head for the walk start point, which is next to Cunnigar Pitch and Putt Club.

At 1.30pm, the walkers will start their wade across the Cunnigar and head across Baile na nGall beach to Ring, in a walk lasting around 1.5 hours. There’ll be a collection for our chosen charities, the Lions Club, Mountain Rescue and the Hospice. Buses will be available to bring the walkers back to Dungarvan afterwards.

Walk Report, Brownstown Head, 14 July 2019. Leader, Norman Graham

This walk was held post club-barbecue, so the crowd that headed to Tramore for this joint B and C walk was small but perfectly appointed. There was a total of five walkers, who flew around Brownstown Head in record time, knocking fifteen minutes off the usual walk time of three hours. The walkers just beat the tide to clamber up onto Brownstown Head via a convenient flat rock. Also, there were no bulls in the fields on Brownstown Head, making this a stress-free walk in blazing sunshine.

Walk Report, Thursday C Walk in Annestown, 18 July

Thanks to Bob for stepping into the breach to lead this Thursday C walk. He chose the Anne Valley Walk, between Annestown and Dunhill, for his walk. This walk is growing in popularity since it was extended and it now takes 2.5-3 hours to do the circuit. The far-flung eastern location didn’t put off the walkers and there were over 20 people on the walk. The walkers enjoyed a windblown picnic in Annestown Carpark afterwards.

If you have a walk report or any news that you’d like included in the newsletter, contact Derbhile at dungarvanhillwalking@gmail.com.

Two Walks With Sea Views

The Sunday joint B and C walk at Brownstown Head on Sunday 14 July and the Thursday C walk to Annestown on Thursday 18 July were both coastal walks with ex cellent C views. A few photos capture the stunning beauty of the East Waterford coastline.

This picture from Brownstown Head was taken by Patricia Hurley.

And this was taken by Derbhile Graham.

The weather was a little more changeable for the Thursday C walk in Annestown. Byt he time we returned to Annestown Carpark for our picnic, the place was looking a little windblown. But the views were still good - and so was the food. These two pictures were taken by John Power.

Highly Successful Comeragh Crossing 2019

Dungarvan Hillwalking Club Hosts Highly Successful Comeragh Crossing

By Richard Dykes, Chairperson, Comeragh Crossing Committee

Dungarvan Hill Walking Club is delighted to say that this year’s Comeragh Crossing, held on Saturday 6 July, was a great success. The walkers were tested by thick fog, but they all made it back to the base at Kilgobinet Sports Centre.

In total, 139 walkers took part, and raised funds for the club’s three nominated charities, Dungarvan Lions Club, South-East Mountain Rescue and West Waterford Hospice.

Dungarvan Hillwalking Club would like to thank all those people that helped in the running of its main walking event of 2019. This includes all the walk leaders and sweepers, checkpoint marshals, catering team and the start registration team, who all played a major part in the event.

Also, a big thanks to the non-club helpers, Kilmacthomas Walking Club and Kilgobinet Sports Centre, without whom the Comeragh Crossing would not run.

The club would like to acknowledge its sponsors, who provide transport, land access, food and water, making the Comeragh Crossing a unique event in Ireland’s walking calendar.

These include Flahavans, Abbeyside Eurospar, Civil Defence, Country Store, McGrath Newsagents, Joe O’Hanlon, Garvey’s Supervalu, Willie Kiely and Barron’s Bakery.

And here are a few pics that tell the story of the Crossing:

Ann Mangan and Helen Byrne keeping an eye on Seefin Checkpoint at the 2019 Comeragh Crossing (Ann Mangan)

Comedian Jason Byrne completed the Comeragh Challenge with his crew. (Photo credit: Michael Daly).

Catherine and Mary Rose peel oranges in advance of the hordes arriving (Photo Credit: Michael Daly)

Goska Korejwo completing the Comeragh Challenge 2019 with her companions (Michael Daly)

You need lots of food to ensure a successful crossing. (Photo Credit: Michael Daly)