Cavan commits to ‘Climb with Charlie’
GUIDE Walks organised thoughout the county and region
Hundreds across Cavan will this weekend lace up their hiking boots in solidarity with Charlie Bird’s plan to climb Croagh Patrick to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease (IMNDA) and Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity.
The veteran broadcaster says he has been overwhelmed by the wealth of support he has received since revealing to the public how he was coping with an MND diagnosis of his own. Charlie is extremely thankful to people across Ireland for their generosity of spirit.
More than €700,000 has been pledged to date, and over 150 climb locations have been identified across the country this coming weekend.
In Cavan there are at least half a dozen walks or climbs planned.
The Loughanleagh Muff Heritage Trust and Kingscourt All Stars GAA will embark to climb Loughanleagh Mountain at 10am on Saturday, April 2, starting at the Picnic Area of Loughanleagh; with the Bailieborough Walking Group hosting a walk around Castle Lake forest (10am start), meeting first at meeting at Bailieborough Business Centre (A82HH58).
The Happy Feet Walkers group in Cootehill will set off on Saturday, around noon, with registration beforehand at St Michael’s Hall. The route will be a 14km hilly walk on a quiet country road with spectacular views of the countryside, and all walkers are encouraged to bring water, a snack, and hi-vis vest.
A climb of Bruce Mountain has also been arranged for Saturday, with registration first at Coronea school grounds from 11.30am and the walk starting at 12 noon sharp. Car parking is at Coronea Church area only. Participants are asked to please wear a hi-viz vest as the first 2km will be on the main road.
Elsewhere, several local walkers have committed to climbing Cavan’s highest peak, Cuilagh; while in Mullagh, on Sunday, April 3, a walk up Mullagh Hill will take place, starting at 1pm.
There are walks and climbs organised in neighbouring counties too.
In Monaghan, a climb of An Tra, Sliabh Beagh, Knockatallon (Bragan mountain) has been organised for Saturday at 2pm; by the Corduff Raferagh Community in Corduff on Saturday at 3pm; and a 6.5km Rock Walk along minor country roads will begin at the carpark at the entrance to the forest near the Mass Rock site above Knockatallon at 10am.
In Leitrim, walkers will take on the 10km loop around Sliabh an Iarainn near Ballinamore on Saturday, from 12:30pm; with other walks organised in Longford, at Aughnacliffe starting 3pm, and a climb at Legga Hill, Moyne, beginning at 11am.
There are several more walks or climbs organised for Meath, with a climb planned for the Hill of Slane starting at 10am; Girley Bog near Kells from 11am; and Loughcrew Cairns at 11am.
In Westmeath, a climb of Mullaghmeen, Westmeath’s Highest Point will leave from Mullaghmeen Forest Park, Ballymanus, Castlepollard at 11am.