A Golden Day at Knockadoon

How wise was the RTAI Walks Committee to schedule the Knockadoon outing for the day after
the closing of the Paris Olympic Games. After the emotional highs and lows of competition in Paris, a walk by the sea was the perfect antidote. The Knockadoon area has much to offer. The
investment, imagination and hard work of local residents is appreciated by visitors who find their
way there. It’s under an hour east from Cork City. Even the extremes of recent weather which
had eroded paths etc had, through local efforts, become once again walker friendly for our visit.
When Kamala Harris picked an ex-school teacher, Tim Walz, as her running mate he said
“Don’t underestimate teachers!” Yet perhaps it’s in the realm of “soft power” that teachers, and
especially retired ones, excel. Through a source close to the Paris Olympics medal division, we
managed to source some surplus medals left in a drawer when that circus moved on. While the
medals were by no means “seconds” we got them at the “right price” and we are confident the
V.A.T. question can be squared by our contact in Revenue!
The first Gold was awarded to Mary Cahill in the decathlon category for hospitality, baking,
organising etc etc. Her beautiful seaside home became our Olympic Village with all its facilities
at our disposal. Sensing an uphill struggle a nearby gourmet outlet on wheels abandoned any
challenge to her. And so Mary also claimed her second Michelin Star after that awarded for last
year’s memorable outing.
The age-appropriate marathon was led by Derry Keogh and Kay McEnery. In a display of
virtuosity they led the walk in reverse order to that planned … on cliffs, along the shore, on the
public road and over well-trodden pathways. Derry and Kay walked with Gold and our
appreciation.
Clare Shelly– the birthday girl- organised 35 walkers and her gold medal was also well earned.
All who gave a hand with extra tables, chairs, crockery etc were allowed a lucky dip in the “Mála
Mór” for bronze or silver medals.
In the new Olympic sport of “Washing Up” (for men only!) Martin, already the clear winning gold
medalist in the photography section, was relegated to Silver by a self-effacing rival. It was a
clear case of quality pipping quantity!
The good cheer of all present was a notable feature of the day. The return to fitness of some
colleagues, who were missed, was most welcome. It was noted for future planning of the
capacity of Knockadoon and surrounds to host Ambles and the longer Rambles (Hillwalks) in
harmony. While medals conferred above were won on merit, the named medal winners are
asked to show sensitivity and not display their medals in Skibbereen or inner city Dublin…….!
All in all it was about as perfect a day out as could be planned or hoped for. All the elements
that make for such a happy outing were in place and the human inputs were crowned by
splendid weather. The only fly in the ointment was the absence of loved ones who walked with
us once but who are now at rest.
In future when we recall the summer/autumn of 2024 and this outing, we may well proclaim:
Cnoc an Dúin Abú!
Seán Ó Callanáin