The Devil’s Ladder & Mountain Rescue

In recent media coverage of the destruction of the Devil’s Ladder route on Corrán Tuathail, quotes from senior figures in Kerry Mountain Rescue merit clarification. “Long time member” Gerry Christie, is quoted in Saturday’s (May 3) Irish Examiner piece by Anne Lucey as saying; “My view is that people have to accept personal responsibility for their own safety on the mountain” It is a statement that would hardly find contradiction; a mantra of common sense issued throughout the ages – though as Gerry well knows, that too often falls on deaf ears. In relation to the topic being covered however, I am not sure what place such a statement has and presuming the quote is correct, perhaps he could clarify for us what’s meant therein. Mindful of the human activity that has undermined the Devil’s Ladder along with other routes on our hills, I wonder if perhaps he could clarify for us if the responsibility he believes in, extends to that for the erosion he and I, and others have contributed to. The lack of a cohesive management plan for our highest mountains which are privately owned by local landowners and now playing host to unprecedented numbers of walkers and climbers, is an issue that has exercised many of us for years. The dramatic collapse of the most famous route to our highest peak has been a particular concern and indeed the subject of numerous safety edicts from mountain rescue and others. Reading newspaper quotes this past few days, references are made to leading mountain rescue members expressing concern; “that the three most popular routes…..are in dire condition”. The facts indeed are correct, but the notion that leading mountain rescue members are concerned participants in dealing with all of this, is misleading. It may surprise people that in the five years since the local community (Beaufort) and others have attempted to provide the first, and only effort ever, at seriously mitigating against the erosion of the Devil’s Ladder, there has never been a single word of support from Kerry Mountain Rescue! As a former member, training officer and team co-ordinator with the association, I am well versed on it’s constitution that includes the promotion of safety on the hills. On numerous occasions the dangers inherent on the Devil’s Ladder have given rise to safety warnings from the organisation – but beyond this, there seems to a paralysis in addressing the situation. In the colourful history of mountain rescue in our region, many of those who have played an active role in this community service have often held diverse views in politics and other issues. It is notable however that over most of this time, no volunteers ever sought to hijack the association’s standing by promoting anything other than the core aims and objectives of the association; not the aims of Sinn Fein, An Taisce, Local Business, the Killarney Nature Conservation Group, the Pioneers, SPUC or the FCA. Such integrous adherence to this principle contributed in no small way to the respect the current generation of leadership inherited. In relation to the topic at hand, I would like to remind those who serve as volunteers in mountain rescue, that when speaking on issues of safety in the mountains (– the underpinning concern that gave rise to the setting up of the team in 1967) that they are under a moral obligation to do so without consideration to any personal feelings they may have on any other issues. On a personal level, Gerry Christie – like all other citizens, enjoys the right to hold whatever personal opinions he wishes in relation to the action plan on the Reeks that seeks address erosion control on the Devil’s Ladder with the construction of a rugged footpath. It is however, deeply unethical in my view for anyone passing through the history books of mountain rescue in Kerry to have any other influences other than safety, in any way contaminate a public opinion by the group. It would be helpful then if, finally, the association might see fit to unambiguously state where it stands, – in line with it’s aims and objectives, on the proposed works on the Devil’s Ladder; pointedly on the feasibility study carried out by the voluntary footpath group Mountain Meitheal, co-funded by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland and the Heritage Council of Ireland and adopted into the Beaufort Community Council’s Reeks Action Plan. In the absence of a management plan of any sort existing for our highest mountains, an local initiative has sought to address a handful of glaring issues in and around the McGillycuddy Reeks; among them engaging with Kerry County Council on assuming public ownership of a principle road leading to the mountains, the establishment of public car parks, looking at the issue of safe river crossings in the Hag’s Glen and seeking to implement the Devil’s Ladder Plan. In a community where mountain rescue has enjoyed powerful and widespread support over four decades, it beggars belief to many that clear unambiguous support for the safety aspects of this work has to be dragged from the present leadership. The enormous mess that is now the Devil’s Ladder is the result of huge numbers of walkers and climbers travelling over delicate terrain, the elements – and years of neglect and select responsibility by those of us who have contributed to it all. It is with deep regret now that at a time just a few years ago when a quote of less than € 100 k was negotiated to carry out work aimed preventing the scale of destruction now faced, and when voluntary effort secured funding for this work from statutory agencies, leading figures in Killarney Mountaineering Club and Kerry Mountain Rescue objected to the works that resulted in the loss of funding. The motives were widely perceived to be in bad taste arising out of personal prejudices and displaying a profound lack of vision and unwittingly or otherwise, undermined the authority and respect earned over 40 years by KMRT – and indeed left many in our community confused to say the least. Today as we continue to witness the most famous route to our highest mountain literally being washed away, many contributors not only seem oblivious to their role in all of this and in fact seek to undermine efforts at mitigation that reflect those employed throughout the world, leading members of mountain rescue might consider providing us with they feel should be done with the Ladder ? Constructive input from quarters content to mischievously play dog-in-the-manger on all of this up to now is long overdue and would mark a step forward in facing the difficult challenges ahead. For starters perhaps, they could point out a single situation – anywhere in the developed world, where a hill or mountain frequented by up to 1000 people per week is in a mess like ours, that has been left to fester and where a sacrificial track does not exist. Surely in the extensive travels of these mountaineers, they have crossed mountain streams in Glen Nevis on footbridges and trotted down tourist tracks off Snowdon or the likes where best practices on environmental and safety grounds have long ago led to responsible action being taken by communities and mountain enthusiasts. We await the definition of responsibility referred to by Mr Christie and hopefully, the active participation of all concerned in the near future.

Yours truly,

Con Moriarty ,

Gap of Dunloe, Beaufort, County Kerry

Important Notice issued by Beaufort Community Council regarding the Devil’s Ladder approach to Corrán Tuathail

Serious erosion has occurred on the Devil’s Ladder route to Corrán Tuathail over the past few days with a major rock slide taking place in the gulley over the past couple of days.
In this rapidly changing environment, tonnes of unstable rock and scree now present a high level of objective dangers and local guides are strongly advising people to avoid the route.
For those approaching the peak from Com Cailí/Hag’s Glen this weekend and beyond, walkers are advised to use the old switch back track known as; Bothar na Gíge to the top of Cnoc na Toinne – and from there to the Top of the Ladder. Temporary way-markers are in place in the area directing walkers to this route.

Gap of Dunloe mountaineer and Corrán Tuathail guide, Con Moriarty, speaking on behalf of the Beaufort Community Council who has co-ordinated a local action plan aimed at dealing with a range of issues relating to the Reeks says; “The Devil’s Ladder has been eroding dramatically over the past decade or so and the once traditional tourist route that was just three decades ago a grassy slopes of wildflowers, is now a steep sluice of loose rocks and mud. The recent slippages mark a seismic shift and are the result of preceding undermining caused by the enormous numbers now frequenting the mountains and recent heavy rains”
For further information;
Call Con Moriarty on 087 221 4002

Community attempts to control the high levels of erosion on the Devil’s Ladder – and in particular to arrest the problem before the likes of the current landslide profoundly alters the topography led to a detailed study of the terrain a decade ago that was lodged with Kerry County Council.

This included the identification of a simple and rough stone footpath build (- as used on the likes of Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland) to carry the hundreds of hill walkers and climbers over this sensitive terrain. This establishment of a “sacrificial track” in highly frequented mountains around the world marks best practice from an environmental stance as well of course of avoiding unacceptable levels of high objective dangers on such routes. The literal washing down the mountain of the most famous route to our highest peak – signal dramatically, the abject failure by us all to mitigate against this erosion by putting in place simple controls as used throughout the world”. Failure to act on this plan led to it being absorbed into a local community effort following the drafting of a action plan by Con Moriarty that was adopted by the Beaufort Community Council aimed at addressing a number of key issues; the taking into public ownership one of the primary roads leading to the Reeks, the establishment of a car park at Lios Leadhbáin – one of the primary start point for walking and climbing on the Reeks (both completed in ’08), the erection of simple river crossing over the main rivers on the Com Cailí / Hag’s Glen approach and the implementation of the Devil’s Ladder erosion control plan. With the McGillycuddy Reeks being wholly privately owned and no cohesive management plan existing, the Reeks Action Plan undertook a difficult process taking several years to secure planning permission and funding for it’s aims.
To date, the footbridges generously being donated by Liebherr (Ireland) Limited are awaiting Kerry County Councils erection while the planned works on the Devil’s Ladder are no longer valid in the face of the recent erosion. The opportunities to carry out the works three years ago were derailed by objections received from a number of members of Killarney Mountaineering Club and Kerry Mountain Rescue that led to grants secured for the work being lost while objections to the initiative from the four landowners of Corrán Tuathail was also an issue.
Con Moriarty again;
“It is a sad reflection really on us all that the only initiative ever mounted to address the issues we face now almost overwhelmingly, garnished only negative reaction from those many would imagine would be most in support. Of particular note in the area is the lack of support the plan received from Kerry Mounatin Rescue, a body many of us gave long years of service to as members and indeed a service that for many years was sustained by communities like ours. As a former leader of the team – and particularly mindful of the constitution of the association that seeks to promote safety on the mountains, I think it has been very poor judgement over a long period of time, that the organisation couldn’t see fit to unambiguously issue a statement of support for the erosion control works on the Ladder – especially at a time when relatively simple measures would have saved the mess we now face.”

Free Rock Climbing Promo

Experience the excitement and adrenaline of rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe, Kerry; or Dalkey Quarry, Dublin. During a two-hour session you will learn to use climbing gear, tie knots, belay and try climbing techniques as well as being given information about our upcoming two-day Rock Climbing Courses and Scrambling Courses. All equipment will be provided.

The promotion is sponsored by Sport Corran Tuathail, Killarney’s Outdoor Shop, and now available online at www.sct.ie Sport Corran Tuathail stock an exciting range of climbing, hiking and canoeing gear, for novices and experts alike!

Dates:
Sat 28th March – Gap of Dunloe, Kerry
Sun 29th March – Dalkey Quarry, Dublin

Times:
9am – 11am
11am – 1pm
1pm – 3pm
3pm – 5pm
5pm – 7pm

For more details contact Nathan on info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63.

Rock Climbing Kerry

Rock climbing in Kerry

The effects of wine bottles on your kayak…..by Nathan Kingerlee

After a busy summer I decided to take three days off, pack a fifteen foot sea kayak with food and drink and explore the south west coast. My plans happened to coincide with what was probably the summer’s best weather.

I paddled out from Snave Strand, at the head of Bantry Bay, on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The gentle southerly breeze barely stirring the water. For the entire afternoon I couldn’t wipe the grin from my face as the coastline of the Beara Peninsula unveiled itself, in all of its rocky rugged beauty. With my heavily laden kayak a little tippy to begin with, until I became accustomed to it, I hugged the coastline. Past Whiddy Island Oil Refinery and Glengarrif Harbour. After a couple of hours paddling my stomach began to let me know it was past lunchtime, so spying a huge black rock protruding from the water I made for it. Leaving my kayak tightly wedged between slippery rocks I scrambled to the summit, passing numerous orderly piles of twigs spread across the flat top, which on closer inspection turned out to be abandoned gannet nests.

Invigorated after a lunch of freshly baked bread, slightly warm goat cheese and tomatoes I hit the water knowing I needed to make it to Bere Island to be assured of a good camping spot that night. This was a long paddle; head down; long deep strokes for three hours, cutting down the middle of Bantry Bay to take the most direct line. Roancarrigmore, a tiny island with a lonely lighthouse perched on it, was my first target. Once I reached this little island I knew Bere Island was only 2km further. Slowly, but eventually, my destination became closer and closer. With the wind increasing, the temperature dropping and the sun setting I was eager to land and set up camp. Hugging the outside of the island I paddled into a calm natural bay called Lonehort Harbour. Landing my kayak on a white sandy beach, I pitched my Vango tent in dusky twilight, fixed a line between two gorse bushes to dry my kayaking gear and climbed into my tent. After the compulsory ‘I’m still safe’ text messages I set down to the serious job of cooking dinner, making several cups of tea and attempting to open a bottle of red wine with a penknife!

The next morning dawned clear and cool, with the promise of a scorching day to come. After sausages and bacon, cooked on my powerful gas stove, I packed my kayak and while squeezing everything into the two watertight compartments had a revelation! For most of the previous day my kayak had wanted to veer to starboard, especially later in the day when the breeze increased. This had meant that every third stroke was a sweep stroke on the right to correct myself, which was hard work! Anyway my revelation was that my nine litres of drinking water plus three bottles of wine weren’t distributed properly inside the storage compartments, meaning my boat was slightly lopsided, just enough to effect the steering of it through the water…

Paddling along the outside of Bere Island was impressive, with the British gun batteries and bunkers disappearing slowly under an unstoppable tide of nettles and gorse. A Martello Tower from the Napoleonic Wars thrust bluntly into the blue sky, while nearby nestled a Megalithic Burial Site and a romantic looking promontory fort, probably Iron Age or earlier. Bere Island has a rich history and played an important part in World War 1, only being returned to the Irish in 1938.

I left Bere Island, crossing the mouth of Castletown Bere Harbour and passing a solitary fishing trawler which threw up a lazy wash behind it. It was now I began to feel I was sea kayaking for real. Bantry Bay widened before me, miles of open water, the Beara Peninsula on my right, steadily increasing cliffs, headland after headland curving out of sight. While on my left the Sheep’s Head Peninsula slowly tapered to a finish, exposing open sea beyond it.

Deciding to land for lunch is a decision that has to be well planned, as even in the gentle swell I was encountering, it’s no mean feat to land safely. Locate a section of rocky shoreline which doesn’t look too slippery, judge the swell as it surges upwards against the black rocks and rushes back down, sucking and gurgling. When a calming in the incoming swell seems imminent paddle alongside the rocks, timing it with the upward surge of salty water, pull off the neoprene spray deck, slide out of the boat onto the rocks and as the water begins to rush back downwards grab the handle and heave the boat onto the rocks, while all the time keeping the paddle securely in one hand!

Feat successfully completed, I looked around my picnic spot. I had landed in a narrow inlet, which was basically a cleft in the cliffs. There was just enough space to drag my kayak onto the warm boulders which made up the floor. On one side was the water, now appearing docile. On the other three sides were vertical sandstone cliffs which towered overhead and thrust most of this inlet into shade. At the very back of the cleft were the scattered ancient remains of a Massey Ferguson tractor, which I guessed a weary farmer had pushed (or driven) over the edge. I sincerely hoped that with the progress of REPS and environmental awareness there would be no more dumping while I sat there enjoying my lunch.

Technically launching from the shore after lunch should have been easier. A case of sitting into my kayak on the rocks, gripping my paddle tightly and when the right sized surge of water rose upwards seal launch myself into the swell and paddle away. Not the case! I ended up with the bow of my kayak in the water and my stern still perched on the rocks. Because of the sharp narrow shape to the kayak’s hull as the swell rushed downwards I capsized and then slithered the rest of the way into the water upside down. After the initial shock and realisation of how cold the water actually was I Eskimo rolled upright, shook the water out of my ears and vowed to find easier picnic spots in future!

My intended destination that evening was Garnish, a 21km paddle away from lunch. The security of the mainland was left behind as I cut straight towards Crow Head, avoiding the many indented bays and inlets. Crow Head was the furthest into the Atlantic Ocean I strayed. As far as I know it’s the most south westerly point of mainland Ireland. And it felt it… Medium, choppy swell rolled under my kayak from random directions, making me constantly adjust my balance; my face stung from two days of sun and sea salt; gannets on the lookout for mackerel soared and cried overhead, before diving in unison; the water roared and boomed against the cliffs on my right; no one else by sea or land for miles and miles. At one stage I stopped paddling and simply sat still, bobbing in the edge of the Atlantic, savouring the peace and tranquillity.

To save time and for a little more excitement I wanted to paddle through a narrow, tight passage between Crow Head and Crow Island. The passage, or channel, was three hundred metres long and at it’s narrowest I doubt I would have had the width to turn my kayak around. Carefully entering into it was like paddling into darkness, such was the difference between the dazzling sunlight and the gloomy shade. I emerged into a large calm bay with Dursey Island and Dursey Sound in front of me. The difference between one side of the three hundred metre channel and the other side was like stepping from a storm into a swimming pool! The sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon line and thinking about pasta and tomato sauce and warm red wine I put my foot down.

Cutting through the bay towards the Sound, a couple of dolphins suddenly appeared and began accompanying me. Then there were six of them! Streaking through the water in pairs, jumping high into the air alongside me and carving in circles around my kayak. Most spectacular of all was when they dive bombed towards me from deep underwater. From the depths they would race straight upwards aiming directly at my kayak, I could see their pale stomachs as they sped at me, then at what seemed like the very last minute they would veer sharply off and avoid me. The twenty minutes I spent paddling towards Dursey Sound accompanied by six friendly dolphins was the high point of my trip.

I had heard worrying reports from friends about tricky sea conditions in Dursey Sound; however it was calm and gentle as I paddled through it, with soft swell slowly rolling in. Two carefully perched fishermen waved at me from the rocks. The fantastic little cable car (Ireland’s only cable car) was trundling across the Sound, hanging from taut cables, high over my head. Judging from the many ruined cottages, crumbling church and overgrown graveyard on the island I would guess that at least a hundred people lived there once. Now only six remain…

I left the Sound, passing Mealaun Point on my left, and veered sharp right, heading towards Garnish Point and safe harbour. Although the swell wasn’t huge it was the largest I had encountered so far. It rolled slowly under my boat, then seemed to accelerate towards the vast overhanging black cliffs, which glistened wetly in the sinking sun. The waves crashed in great echoing booms sending spray high into the air, where it seemed to hang in slow motion. The rolling hillside above the cliffs seemed hazy with mist which, on looking closer, was actually spray blown high into the air.

I couldn’t see the water my boat was moving through! I was paddling through a thick carpet of dirty white foam which covered the water’s surface all around me, absorbing noise. Every time I did a forward stroke my paddle blade and sometimes my hand disappeared into the foam, which had a bit of a surreal feeling to it.

Leaving the foam and echoing booms behind me I circled Garnish Point, surfed through a narrow gap between Garnish Island and a smaller unnamed island and landed on the rocky beach of Long Island. It felt good to stand up and stretch. That night, propped against a comfortable rock in my trusty sleeping bag, I watched the moon rise, sparkling on the still waters of Allihies Bay; and later slept under the stars beside my driftwood fire.

Dazzling sunshine woke me the next morning and the sounds of local lobster fishermen preparing for their day’s work. After a lazy start I paddled to meet a friend who was joining me at Allihies Beach for my final day’s kayaking. We circumnavigated Cod’s Head and headed across the wide open expanse of Coulagh Bay, aiming for three small islands huddled off the tip of Kilcatherine Point. As Noel and myself paddled and chatted I heard a snorting noise from my left and glancing over saw, ten or fifteen metres away, the crest of a big, big dark-bluish back rising out of the water.  It was a large whale, less than fifteen metres away! Only the crest of its back was breaking the water, and that was big, so I can only guess how big the entire whale was! Ignoring us (or oblivious to us) it sank below the water heading towards Lamb’s Head, on the Iveragh Peninsula. Later in the day we caught one or two more sightings of probably the same whale, far in the distance; cruising the deepening waters of Kenmare Bay, in no hurry to be anywhere.

Having the safety of another person with me gave me the confidence to really explore the caves and strange rock formations eroded into the three small islands; Bridaun, Bridaun Beg and Inishfarnard. We landed in a little narrow inlet on Inishfarnard for lunch and stretched out on warm soft grass to enjoy sandwiches, grapes and chocolate chip cookies, while wondering how the sheep had managed to land on these rugged shores.

Paddling along the coastline of Kilcatherine Point towards Ardgroom I could feel the excitement of the exposed bays, high cliffs and Atlantic swell diminishing behind me and it was with regret that I pulled out my soggy map to navigate to our finish point. The coast was still really interesting, with all kinds of undercut inlets, little arches and strange choppy waves, but we continued past them, all for another day…

We were finishing at Bird Point, but continued a kilometre past it as according to our map there were caves there worth exploring. We weren’t disappointed! Slightly overhanging cliffs beckoned us into a high cathedral-like entrance, which protected two vast caves. Despite the summer temperatures outside, in the caves our breath condensed and hung in the air before us. The slightest noise we made echoed eerily under the high roof, while my Tikka head torch only dimly illuminated our path. The slick damp walls of the caves glistened and eventually the walls and ceiling tapered to a tight finish thirty metres back. Ancient tombs, Viking rendezvous points, smugglers dens, wreckers hideouts; the possible histories seemed to clamour through the empty space.

All I can say is what a trip!

 

Mountain Skills Training

Spend a day with experienced instructors, learning essential skills for the Irish mountains. Learn to navigate using a map and compass. Discuss the essential equipment to carry in your backpack. Discover different mountain hazards and how to deal with them, or more importantly, prevent them from becoming a hazard in the first place.

The day will be spent in the mountains and will run from 10am to 4pm. The promotion is running in Glenbeigh, Kerry and Glendalough, Wicklow. I am running this free promotion to launch my 2009 dates for the official Mountain Skills Training and Assessment Courses, running both in Kerry and Wicklow. The promotion is sponsored by Sport Corran Tuathail, Killarney’s Outdoor Shop, and now available online at www.sct.ie.

Kerry Dates:
Sun 11th Jan
Mon 12th Jan
Sun 18th Jan
Mon 19th Jan

Wicklow Dates:
Fri 23rd Jan
Sat 24th Jan
Sun 25th Jan
Mon 26th Jan

To book your place contact Nathan on info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63.

Weather Proof Fun – Pictures & Testimonials

 Thanks again for the kayaking! I think it was a great idea. I was very pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. You really managed to provide a good taste of the sport to everyone. All in all I’m very happy that I’ve attended the event, which was superbly organised. Daniel, Dublin

I enjoyed the Sunday kayaking with you. I loved the buzz of the rapids under the bridge and look forward to do more with you. Sheila

 I was one on the lucky one’s to attend the white water promotion last week-end, and all I can say is that it was the best Saturday afternoon I have spent in a long time. The professionalism and good humour of the entire team of instructors was exceptional. We were in a group of three and we had a great laugh while learning some of the basic skills.  I have dabbled about with kayaks in the past, but this has given me a taste to progress and identify which type/style is best for me before I invest in a boat. Hope to follow up with a 2 day course. Gerry, Cork

 Thanks for the White Water Promotion. I can honestly say it was so much fun, even the ‘several’ dunkings I got. It was just exhilarating and tiring… My arms ached! Emma, Cork

 Three of us spent an afternoon on a taster course of white water kayaking with Nathan Kingerlee and Edge Adventures Sea Kayaking in September by the lovely Beaufort Bridge in Kerry.  Apart from having great fun and getting a good feel for what the sport entails, the whole set-up was very professional and well run in a seemingly effortless kind of way (that, of course, is never effortless). One of us is hoping to go back for a two-day course, one of us is dithering and I think ocean kayaking is the one that rocks my boat (awful pun intended). Thanks to Nathan, Sport Corrán Tuathail and Edge Adventures. Bridget, Cork

 Had a recent lesson on a beautiful Saturday morning on the Laune River in Killarney. Great setting complimented by a great morning splashing about in the river. In some cases, literally! It was the best 2 hours I have spent in a long time. Great instructors who gave us the confidence to tackle the basics… Good fun, good company and a great time was had by all…and I am a beginner… Highly recommend taking part in any training with these guys as I will in the future. Tim, Kerry

 

Weather Proof Fun – Kerry a Paradise for Paddlers!

It’s not only because of the summer we’ve just had – but Kerry is paradise for paddlers!  To those in the know, the hundreds of miles of coastline and the great bays of the South West provide some of the finest sea-kayaking in the world while our lake and river systems allow fresh-water canoeing and kayaking at all levels; from the serene Killarney lake valley to the white-water power of the mountain spates.Celebrating this resource, Spórt Corrán Tuathail at the Killarney Outlet Centre and Nathan Kingerlee of Outdoors Ireland are facilitating a dedicated weekend aimed at introducing people to the pleasures and adrenaline rushes of white water.

 

On Saturday & Sunday, September 27th & 28^th River Laune – Beaufort Bridge (located on the Ring of Kerry – Killarney – Killorglin road).  Free two-hours introductory sessions with qualified guides commencing at:  9 am, 11 am, 1pm and 3pm.  All equipment will be provided, but pre-booking is essential by contacting Nathan Kingerlee on: info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63.  Nathan stated “This is an invitation to learn strokes and techniques over a couple of hours involving easy rapids, allowing the flat-water paddler or complete novice an opportunity to learn the basic skills of white-water” The classes are for ages 18 and over all levels of swimmers are welcome as long as they  have some confidence in the water.  Buoyancy Aids are provided

 

On Sunday, September 28th from 2pm to  6pm at Spórt Corrán Tuathail in the Killarney Outlet Centre Nathan will be offering free consultancy on choosing equipment, discussing the best places to paddle and self improvement; white-water kayaking, lake/river canoeing, sea kayaking and surfing.  

 

This complimentary learning session is sponsored by Spórt Corrán Tuathail who are dedicated to connecting people to Our Place and servicing Ireland’s outdoor community with the leading outdoor brands of the world at exceptional value. 

Corran Tuathail – guided ascents every Saturday

Beijing and Beyond by Cathal Moynihan

I sit here now at my apartment in Dublin overlooking the Liffey reflecting on what has been the most interesting month of my life to date. Here is what happened since my last blog.

To put it simply our semi final was fast and furious and when we needed to produce the race of our lives we simply didn’t. When we got back to our team room the four of us spoke at length. We spoke about the race and the year we had together and as you would expect we were very emotional as we would not be contending for medals, but we were proud of ourselves and eachother none the less.

The next day we had the B final and had to make a late substitution as Gags wasn’t feeling well. Richard Coakley stepped in and we raced very well considering we had just sat in together that morning. We finished 10th overall which was a long way from our goal of GOLD.

When things are going to plan it is always easy to behave responsibly but when it didn’t go so well for us it would have been easy to drop our heads and feel sorry for ourselves but we didn’t. I think this is the mark of a real men who will be rewarded eventually.

After the regatta I spent many days with my friends and family and it helped so much to have their support in Beijing. China put on the greatest Olympics ever and to have been part of it I feel very enriched. I witnessed some great sporting achievements including the Jamican 4*100m mens relay team smash the World Record and Michael Phelps win 8 gold medals.

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds for me in sport. I am constantly reminded “It is a great achievment to compete at the Olympics” and I agree, but I know the Olympic flame still burns brightly in my heart and I don’t think I will be satisfied until I hear Amhrán na bhFiann.

“… We are not alone in our loneliness.
Others have been here and known
Griefs we thought our special own,
Problems that we could not solve,
Lovers that we could not have,
Pleasures that we missed by inches…”

–Patrick Kavanagh

As Bugs Bunny would say. That’s all folks 🙂

Tight Racing by Sean Casey

It has been a week since we finished up racing at the Olympic Games in Beijing. We went into the racing with a lot of expectation amongst ourselves in the crew as we knew this was the fasteset combination we have been in since starting working on the 4- back in 2005. Being Olympic year everyone else had also stepped up to the mark and racing wa tighter than i have seen it before. Form from the seasons racing was counting for nothing with an Olympic
title at stake. We raced well in the heat and used our crews strengths, which was the mid race pace to keep us in the fight for qualifying positions. Our slow first 500m meant we had to bring ourselves back into the race and we qualified in third, behind Australia, Germany, and ahead of France. We came away from the race happy to have qualified straight to the semi, with more time to relax and focus on the next race, but also knowing we cannot give away so much off the blocks. When the semi final draw came out, it was aspredicted at the Olympics, a fight. We had drawn France, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the United States. Training had been going very well, and everything was going in the right direction. We got off the start well in the
semi, but lost some ground just before the 500m mark. We quickly moved right back into the race, in among the other crews there was nothing in it for a lot of the body of the race. We got raced into sixth in the sprint for the line with a very small margin seperating the whole field. Great Britain, Australia and France qualified for the final positions. The three medalists from last
years World Championships in the 4- ended up in the B final at the Olympics, so the talent was not lacking. The race was due to take place the next day, but due to a thunder and lightening storm it was postponed until friday. It was tough to get motivated to go out and compete in the B final after on the friday, when all you have been thinking about was making it to that final and getting a shot at Olympic medals. We had our best race in the B final, which was good as we had improved with each race and wanted to finish the Olympics as well as we could. We got
our first 500m right, and were in a stonger attacking position as the race went on. We finished the race well in 4th, and 10th overall.
The perspective after being out of the boat for a week is different to when we finished and the dissappointment was fresh. It was certainly the fastest boat i have been in, and the strongest performance by the crew. If the crew had come together earlier this year it would not have had the same dynamic, freshness, or technical ability, as that is what the work in the pairs earlier in the season gave us. If the crew was to stay together it would certainly get stronger and faster, but thats a decision to be made another day, well away from the emotions and excitement of Beijing and the Olympic Games.
Since racing has finished i have gotten to witness some of the Irish boxers winmedals, and the stunning Usain Bolt set world records. Beijing has really pulled out all the stops, it is really an amazing city with a great history.