Anyone for Tennis?

The first steps on our Timoleague walk brought a major surprise. We were led to the “Ardigeen
Vale Tennis & Croquet Club”. One had to be impressed by the neat lawn tennis layout and the
croquet lawn was no less impressive. Looking at the pavilion in the distance, it could have been
a flashback to pre 1914-1918 before the dramatic changes that followed for club members. Not
having our white gear to hand we passed on the invitation to play. The gale and driving rain also
informed our choice! The cucumber sandwiches and afternoon tea would have to wait till
another day.
Gathering earlier at the old abbey it was pretty obvious that the uncanny good luck of RTAI
walks re weather had run out. We wrapped as best we could and followed our leader, Eddie
McSweeney, more than willing to face the elements – unkind as they seemed to promise. Those
of us who invested in high-end “rainproof, windproof, breathable” gear realised the challenge.
Alas, the resistance my own rags offered were on a par with your average teabag! I was well
stewed by journeys end.
Some of the walkers remarked on how keenly felt is the absence of Dermot O’Driscoll RIP. The
teeming rain was our “proxy” tears. With his wife, Teresa, they had trodden dark and painful
paths as they fought the odds. Missing Dermot we are ever mindful of her loss.
When Eddie suggested that the amble and longer walk be amalgamated there was no dissent
and we ambled on. After a rare old hiding from the weather, the food dared not disappoint
and, thankfully, the food at Charlie Maddens met with enthusiastic approval. The welcome was
warm and our dripping gear was catered for without fuss. The generous supply of tea & coffee
throughout the meal restored our spirits. The wide food choices available were eaten with
extra relish as we celebrated taking our Storm Poly and seeing the walk through. The input of
Eddie, his local volunteers and caterers were acknowledged. We had walked from an ancient
abbey on to an oasis of sport older than the State to end in the enduring hospitality of Tigh
Mologa.
Ná bach an bháisteach!