When Anne Durity leads the Ballincollig Regional Park Walk, it’s already too late for sending Christmas post to Australia. Likewise, when Anne leads us in Glenbower we know we are on the cusp of summer. Let us all hold our breaths then, “Summer is a comin’ in”.
A very select group of 15 of us met up behind “The Old Thatch” in Killeagh. “RoJo” coffee outlet, bakery & deli proved a most satisfactory pit-stop. There we were, spoilt with mouthfuls of tasty freshly-baked apple cake and all on the house! The generosity displayed and the quality of the treats had many members return later to splash out a portion of their pensions. “RoJo” fortified, we set off walking in good spirits.
Glenbower Woods offer up to seven possible routes so we stayed close to our leader lest we stray. The weather was proving kind but we knew it wouldn’t last. With this in mind we kept an even pace that saw us returned as the rain came. The Dissour River (An Deisiúr) was our constant and famous companion. For many weeks last summer its fame was sung by “Kingfisher” in their heartfelt song that celebrates Killeagh. With The Old Thatch sporting patches of newer thatch in places that badly needed repair on our last visit, we entered with sharpened appetites. Being directed to a single long table brought on much apprehension. Were we about to have a geriatric version of “The Poor Children’s Excursion”?
Au contraire, such was the quality of the food, the efficiency of the friendly service, one blushes now to think that unwarranted doubts has arisen. Apart from the A.W.O.L. of horseradish sauce all else hit a high bar.
Much thanks to Anne and to RTAI support for giving us a sneak preview of summer. Here’s to the rest of it!
Seán OCallanáin
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