“Turning a New Page on the Comeraghs” Read all about it!!

In Cork RTAI walkers’ circles “The Comeraghs” have a notorious backstory chapter: winter – floods – downpour – worse floods – walkers slipping – bus breakdown – drenched walkers etc. Many valuable lessons were learned that inform present day practice. So perhaps it’s time to award the campaign medals and seal the depressing narrative under a 25 year embargo. Meanwhile the Comeraghs can be enjoyed on their merits. Our alliance with Waterford walking comrades is special and rewarding. They share the treasures of their home place with big hearts and warm welcomes. One hopes they are aware of our gratitude for the efforts they make on our behalf. Veronica Curran and her support team were on hand to lead us just beyond Ballymacarbry on Tues. June 17^th.

Once the bridge at Youghal was crossed Waterford began to weave its magic. Clashmore gave way to Aglish and soon after we parked on “Bothar na Socraide” (With no church then in Ballymacarbry coffins were hand carried to Co. Tipperary over the mountain pass). The huge expanse that faced us was a quick reminder of how much we trusted Veronica and her boundless knowledge of where we walked. In the Nire Valley knowledge is king as its dry Caum – Coumlara- and two of its Sgilloge lakes were revealed to us. The tall waterfall with wind blowing against it gave substance to the reference of “Bean Piobra”, a smoking woman. In a spirit of open mindedness we had our picnic just beyond Co. Waterford in Co. Tipperary – no visa required. The Comeraghs are not parochial. When we met other walkers on the way they told us they had come from New Ross, Co. Wexford, a mere hour’s drive away. Our drive was more than two hours.

Having checked in the lake water’s reflection that our good looks were holding up it was time for future planning re our evening meal. Sad to relate in high summer so many places of choice were not open. “The Local” in Dungarvan was a hit. The menu prefaced each dish with the name of a Waterford hurler. Praise is due to Frances who was brave enough to tackle the “John Mullane Burger”. This is the John Mullane who hurled with distinction and who uttered the immortal words “I loves me county”.

Well done, Veronica, and support team! We had a truly wonderful day out.