Tipperary's Knockmealdown Active prepares to host next four stages of St Declan's Way Walk
The remaining four stage hikes of the 115km pilgrim trail from Goatenbridge to Ardmore take place over two weekends in May
Knockmealdown Active is preparing for the next four stages of the St Declan’s Way walk from Goatenbridge in Co. Tipperary to Ardmore on the Waterford coast.
These walks will take place on May 10, 11, 24 and 25.
Noreen Butler and Noeline Bergin of Knockmealdown Active with Clare Ryan (centre) landowner at Lough Kent, New Inn where the St Declan’s Way Walk passed through
More than 300 walkers from all over Ireland enjoyed a superb weekend of walking the first two of stages of the St Declan’s Way in south Tipperary from Cashel to Goatenbridge on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.
The first stage of the six stage 115km way walk began at the Rock of Cashel on Saturday, April 12. Walkers trekked almost 24km that day from Cashel to Cahir.
The hikers stopped for lunch at the historic graveyard at Lough Kent, New Inn before travelling through two lengthy off road stretches to Cahir.
They enjoyed trekking along wonderful walking tracks through fields of ripening rapeseed, emerging winter barley and recently tilled and ploughed fields.
To keep energy levels flowing, Annie Casey and Keeva O’Gorman, who are second year students in Coláiste Dún Iascaigh in Cahir, brought their pop-up Country Kitchen to the trail at the 15km mark.
They served much needed coffees, teas and sweet cakes to the walkers, which were really appreciated.
On Sunday April 13, the walkers continued their journey along the St Declan’s Way for 20km from Cahir to Goatenbridge.
They travelled along the Coronation Walk by the River Suir in beautiful spring sunshine. From there, they followed country lanes to Ardfinnan where they had a break for lunch in Ardfinnan Community Hall.
They ambled onwards via Lady’s Abbey, admiring the Knockmealdown Mountains clearly visible in the distance. On approaching the River Tar, the walkers took the delightful Tipperary Heritage Way riverside route to Goatenbridge, marking the end of a superb weekend of walking.
On the occasion of their retirement as volunteers from the Red Cross, Pat Cummins and Pearl Sheehan from Clonmel were presented with a small token of appreciation by Joe Byrne of Knockmealdown Active and Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of the St Declan’s Way Steering Committee .
Gráinne said their contribution to St Declan’s Way events has been hugely appreciated over the last three years.
After a wonderful weekend of hosting walkers from all over Ireland, the Knockmealdown Active team wish to thank the landowners who facilitated so much off road walking and the community groups who supported the event.
They include Cahir Community Centre, Cahir Tidy Towns, Cahir Meet & Train, Ardfinnan Community Council and Ballybacon-Grange GAA.
Knockmealdown Active also thank Cahir Media and Tipperary Mid West Radio for their coverage of the event over the weekend on social media and on radio.