The RTAI hillwalkers, so often blessed with fair weather, hit the jackpot when we visited Coomhola near Ballylickey on 27th of April. Summer embraced us from the off and with visibility at a peak we saw our countryside at its best. The gorse/furze seemed at a zenith of vigour and health. Such was the day, an aroma of coconut was easily attributed to the not much regard “blossomed furze unprofitable gay” as Oliver Goldsmith observed.
Near where our cars were parked was the local National School perched on a hill in very beautiful surroundings. As we walked past, pangs of nostalgia no doubt were present in the hearts of the walkers. Happy to relate, discipline was maintained in the ranks and nobody deserted to volunteer for yard duty. One wonders if in the future cigirí will visit by drone, dropping in for a surprise visit. Still a cigire with a “staff-size” pizza would surely warm the chilliest welcome.
The sun was in a high summer mood as we followed Tadhg Harrington, our knowledgeable leader. Those who wore shorts had read the weather perfectly. On the other hand warnings re tics (sceartáin) reminded us that sunshine was not the only relevant pointer to walking wear. As we watched in awe the glories of Bantry Bay and its islands, a shy cuckoo was heard. But when the group held its breath, the better to hear, our shy cuckoo denied us that rare summer pleasure. Tadhg chose our picnic spot with care and we enjoyed our sos mór.
The distance was c. 12km but the ups and downs are a better measure of the energy output. With Monday a difficult day to source a post-walk meal Ouvane Falls Inn,Ballylickey, came to our rescue. Everything we consumed was all the tastier as we dined by choice out of doors on a balcony. We were well led on a near perfect outing. It’s a pity the shy cuckoo did not use better amplification. All 24 who walked are in debt to RTAI members who made it possible. Molaim sibh go hard.
Seán O Callanáin
Míle buíochas le Martin Conroy as ucht na griangrafanna
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