The students, all studying Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science (ZEPS) at UCC were participating on one of the many courses run by ZEPS in Albufeira over the last number of years. The courses are particularly popular as they expose students to different and often spectacular fauna and flora.
The staff of this year’s course included organiser Professor Gavin Burnell, Professor John O’Halloran, who will begin shortly as the first Head of the new School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (incorporating ZEPS, Geology & Environmental Science), Drs Tom Kelly, Emer Rogan, Ruth Ramsay and Fidelma Butler, and Senior Technical Officer, Allen Whitaker.
There was only minor concern when the news broke of the Icelantic volcanic eruption. However, it then became clear that the return flight, scheduled for Monday April 19th, would be cancelled and work began on searching for alternative ways of getting back to Ireland. Without too much difficulty, places were secured on the Friday 23rd night sailing of the ferry from Roscoff to Cork, but hiring a bus from Albufeira to Roscoff proved almost impossible. Eventually, after three days of constant efforts by Eileen Crowley of the ZEPS Administrative staff, Professor John O’Halloran, the UCC travel agents, Michael Farrell and his staff in the Office of Corporate & Legal Affairs and Susan Goggin of the Finance Office, a suitable coach was sourced. This coach left Albufeira at 4pm on Thursday, 22nd and drove to Roscoff with only short stops. It was an extremely relieved group who arrived in Ringaskiddy at 10am on Saturday 24th, after 42 hours of travel and five days later than expected!
After discussing the course with several of her classmates the class rep, Nora Peters, wrote as follows: “The Algarve field course 2010 was a truly invaluable and unforgettable experience. Delving into the beautiful and varied habitats of the Algarvian landscape, from the intriguing Fiddler Crabs of the Ria Formosa to the beautiful mountains and plants of the Monchique region. Speaking on behalf of the whole class, this field course was an amazing experience and no amount of torrential rain or volcanic ash dampened any spirits (excuse the terrible pun!). It has awoken within us a desire to excel, explore and develop our fieldwork potential and our overall ecological knowledge. Praise must be given to all those at home and those in the Algarve for their tremendous patience, flexibility and sheer determination in making the field course and our journey home enjoyable, insightful and unforgettable!”
Photograph: Some of the group of relieved ZEPS students and staff at the Ringaskiddy ferry port on Saturday morning last.
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