While we were totally committed to the Glenpatrick Walk in the Comeraghs of Co. Waterford, a little motoring in Cork, Limerick and Tipperary served as an appetiser for the main event. The longterm weather forecast for the day had been dire. In the event the sun shone all day. Ann Franey led us from the front with a pace well suited to the company. Veronica served as sweeper and Comeragh consultant.
We started to walk from a secluded carpark near the banks of the Suir. To emphasise its remoteness,no telephone reception was available there. As we gained some height however the ding-dong cares of our evetyday lives flooded back in once more. No dramatic climbing was called for. The 350 metres of climbing were well integrated in the 3.5 hours walk. “Alone All Alone” to our right magestic Sliabh na mBan accompanied us for a kilometre or so. As we ate our lunch facing that mountain, it seemed to challenge us to come and climb it. The details of how to approach it were discussed but climbing it we left fo another day,
Meanwhile we enjoyed where we were as we climbed onwards. Once more it was brought home to us that in Munster we are so blessed, with each county offering riches that only feet on the ground can appreciate. Pretty soon, post picnic, our appetites picked up once more and half the group opted for dinner at “The Moorings” in Dungarvan.
At table all in turn were canvassed re the best vacuum cleaner to buy as we awaited our excellent fish-pie. Let it be known that “Dyson” failed to find favour and “Miele” it seems are not what they used to be. One could not but admire our young server who took our bilingual order: “one sticky toffee pudding le h-aon spúnóg amháin”. Said dessert was delivered without the clatter of multiple spoons!
RTAI volunteers are to be thanked for giving us yet another insight into the wonderful land we live in. Bless them for their generosity as we were blessed in Glenpatrick.
Seán O Callanáin
