UPPERCHURCH WALKING WEEKEND
On a weekend when most sporting events were called off, nearly 400 intrepid walkers braved the wintry rain and saturated ground at our Walking Weekend. While less children took part than in previous years adult participation increased and the successful completion of the full program under such adverse conditions bodes well for the future of the event.
Friday night's official opening was very well attended and the excellent and clear talk by Isabel Cambie of Tipperary Leader on the new Walks Scheme explained all of the details to landowners and walkers alike. An award was presented by members of the South East Mountain Rescue team to the local walking committee in appreciation of their fundraising efforts, while Eamonn Butler outlined the work of the Philippine Youth Project which benefitted to the amount of €2,850 euro from the walker's contributions.
The walking got off to a good start when 60 walkers commenced the 18km Curreeney Walk on Saturday morning. In spite of the weather turning nasty, a total of about 100 completed the Red Hugh, Knockalough and Éamon an Chnoic loops later in the day. Sunday saw even greater numbers on the Clodiagh River walk, the Birch Hill Trail and the Red Hugh, Knockalough and Éamon an Chnoic loops again. All walkers were given a hot meal provided by Kinnane's of Upperchurch in the local Community Centre after each walk.
Results of Photography Competition
The photography competition which was run in conjuction with the Walking Weekend was also very successful and drew a total of about 170 entries to compete for the €500 prize fund.
Results: Adults: 1st and 3rd Tony Hunt, Clonmel.
2nd Teresa Delahunt, Ballycahill.
Highly commended: Majella Doody, James Purcell and
John O'Loughlin
Primary Schools: 1st Toby Clancy, Upperchurch
5 runners up: Aoife Shanahan, Cát Ryan, Grainne
Quinlan and A J Shanahan, all Upperchurch N S and
Sarah from Kilcommon.
The organisers wish to thank all who helped in any way and especially the local landowners. |