This Year

Oct 8

The Paps

The first walk of the new college year, and numbers were a little lower than expected. Nevertheless, a great day was had, with glorious weather and lots of entusiastic newcomers. Most of the committee wussed out and took the shorter route, while a few hardy Americans came on the longer option with myself and Harry. Ah well, the Galtees should sort them out next week....

Oct 15

The Galtees

The Galtees lived up to their reputation by providing gale force winds and zero visibility. Nevertheless, 80 souls completed the horseshoe of Slievecushnabinnia, Galteemore and Galteebeg. Cliona and Conor led groups going in opposite directions, while Hugh reckons he took the hardcore option by going straight up Galteemore. Of course you did, Hugh.

Oct 22

Sliabh Mish

Our new members got a taste of what hillwalking in Ireland is really like today. All this blue skies and sunshine stuff is for wimps- a nice bit of Kerry wind and rain always sorts the men out from the boys. In fact, it did a bit too much sorting out, as none of the groups managed to complete the Caherconree/ Baurtragaum horseshoe, apart from Diarmo and his cohorts. The rest of us decided that the warmth and comfort of the pub was preferable once we began to have difficulty standing up in the wind. Bring on the indoor climing next week!

Oct 29

Rockclimbing

Unfortunately I missed this trip, so if anyone wants to write a report on it, e-mail it to me and I'll put it in.

Nov 5

The Comeraghs

Is it ever going to stop raining? It's a sad state of affairs when it's a struggle to walk as far as Coumshingaun. Of course, we had our customary few hardcases who insisted on going to the summit, but it was really a day better suited to indoor sports. Let's hope it brightens up a bit for the weekend away.

Nov 10
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Nov. 12

Freshers' Weekend

Read about this trip on the Lauragh 2000 Page.

Nov 19

The Reeks

What's new- the weather was foul, the Kerry drivers are as crazy as ever and we love every minute of it. Oh yeah, and the groups didn't get lost.

Nov 26

Purple Mountain

For the 50th time this year, the weather prevented the whole group from finishing the walk. Roll on summer...

Dec 3

Hungry Hill

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: Just like every Sunday this year, the weather was terrible. The wind and rain were not quite as bad as usual, but the visibility was the worst yet. A minor deviance from our compass bearing on the way down was not spotted on time and became a major error and we descended too far to the North. We contoured around to another road which would bring us back to the bus, but it got dark before we got there and visibility was virtually non-existant, as our headtorches were almost useless in the fog. We could have been 10 metres from the road and not known it. In order to make sure we met it we altered our bearing to a more southerly direction, which brought us onto steep ground. We couldn't find our way around a large drop, and with the safety of 22 people in mind, the decision was taken to go no further and call for help. We huddled up in bivvy bags singing songs and blowing our whistles until the Beara Sea and Cliff Rescue found us and guided us to safety. In the circumstances, the correct decision was made and the entire rescue operation took less than 2 hours. Had we continued and someone had gotten injured it could have been a far more serious situation. As it turned out, we were merely wet, dirty, and very, very late.

Dec 10

Mullaghanaitin

For the first time since the Paps, it didn't rain. It was joyous. We started at Ballaghbeama Gap and Cliona led us over Mullaghanaitin to the Pocket. This was a bit more like what we signed up for.

Dec 17

The Reeks

Normal service was resumed today- it rained so heavily that the group could only get as far as Eagle's Nest before turning tail and running away. 2001 can't possibly be as bad...

Jan 14

Buachaill

Oh Joy! Oh Happiness! The sun shone all day and today was probably the best day yet this year. Lots of new faces- about 50 people in all- and two groups, ably led by Mike and Bryan, walked in opposite directions, enjoying stunning views of Kenmare Harbour, the Reeks and the whole Iveragh Peninsula. More of the same, please!

Jan 21

Mangerton

Another gloriously dry day was savoured by all. The forbidden bog of Mangerton wasn't as boggy as usual, and two groups, led by Conor and Bryan, took a casual stroll around the Horse's Glen and surrounding areas.If only the bus could have parked a bit closer!

Jan 28

Caher

 :Vast quantities of snow led to Crohane being abandoned for Caher. Much fun was had by all with plenty of snowball fights and glissading.

Feb 3

Indoor Rockclimbing

A perfect day to be indoors as it was miserable outside. Plenty of new faces tried their hand at rockclimbing for the first time, while the old hands tried their best not to be shown up by them!

Feb 11

Brandon- 7.30 start

One of the best walks this year- well worth the extra hour's drive. The weather held out nearly to the end of the day, and the clouds broke for a few seconds now and then to allow us to see one of the best views in the country. Despite the length of the day, evryone was lively enough for a multi-national sing-song on the way home.

Feb 18

Knockmealdowns

All activities were cancelled due to the outbreak
of Foot & Mouth disease in the UK and Ireland.

Feb 25

Knockanaitin

Mar 3

Weekend Away- Galtees

Mar 11

Coomsaharn

Mar 18

Cloon Lake

Mar 25

Reeks Ridge

Mar 31

Trip Away