If St. Finbarr saw the narrow road west from Gougane which our most skilful bus driver drove
with such abandon, Finbarr might have opted for Lourdes instead!
Two cheers for modern scholarship, some experts would now have us believe that Finbarr did
not exist and was but a piety for the cult of St. Finnian of Moville, Co. Donegal. It’s hard to
imagine a boys’ class in Cork that could not produce a Finbarr/Barry or multiples thereof. What
chaos would ensue if we lost “The Barrs”, St. Finbarr’s Hospital/Cathedral/Graveyard etc?
But enough of that, let the word go out that RTAI walkers fully subscribe to St. Finbarr. Tadhg
Harrington led us so well on a stunning portion of St. Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path. We began to walk
at Maughanasilly and if from outer space it looks like a stone circle, up close the standing
stones made a “líne” any príomh oide would be happy to see replicated in the school yard after
the bell. The previous few days of dry weather ensured that clearly boggy areas supported our
light treads. Met Éireann kept the rain at bay and us cool with a fresh ie cold, wind. When we
came over the brow of the final hill, Gougane Oratory on its island seemed miniature and afloat.
It was fitting that a warm tribute was paid to Velda Ó Brádaigh R.I.P., a past chairperson of our
branch, who introduced such walks to our members and whose friendship was prized by many.
May Velda rest in peace.
The big “sos” for our picnic lunch is a great restorer of energy and drive. Lots of black lambs
with pale mothers plus exotic, if small, black cattle with dramatic horns, also helped to jolly us
along. Just when we thought we had seen the full menagerie we were stopped in our tracks by
a rare sight in a most remote area – a peacock with yards of coloured tail. The peacock showed
admirable restraint before an admiring audience by refusing to display its spectacular plumage-
St. Finbarr would have approved!
Descending on Gougane Barra from c. 500 meters we felt privileged to see yet another side to
that beloved area to which we love to return. Yet again the RTAI using the “insider” knowledge
insured a memorable outing for all.
Naomh Fionnbarra abú!
Seán Ó Callanáin
RTAI CORK BLOG - Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí 