Our Camera Group

Our Camera Group meets on the last Thursday of the month at the SMA centre in Wilton. We are a group of camera enthusiasts of varying skills and with varying camera equipment, but we all learn from each other, and from our tutor Tony.

After our Thursday meeting we generally plan an outing during the following fortnight, to focus on some aspect of photography. To date these have included night photography, bokeh, portrait photography and landscapes.

We exhibited our work at the AGM last November and at the coffee morning in December.

In April we intend to visit some exhibits of the Cork Photo 2018 festival. We hope this experience will give us some ideas as well as confidence in our own ability!

Com Baun Hike

On Thursday 5th April, a group of 16 hillwalkers took to the Galtees, ably led by Joan McCann.

We met for carpooling and coffee at the Firgrove Hotel, and then drove a few kilometres to the trailhead, near Anglesboro.

Our walk was through Com Baun wood, skirting the western side of Temple Hill. We were fortunate that the day remained dry, although it was windy at times. There were wonderful views across to the Ballyhouras and back to Corrin. The effect of the recent storms was evident in a few places, where we came across fallen trees and banks of snow. All the better to help us appreciate the beauty and power of nature. All credit to Joan, who had done numerous “recces” in advance. We had no obstacle on our path.

Later, we returned to the Firgrove for a very welcome tasty lunch and convivial chat.

Our May hillwalk is planned for Glenshillane, near Capoquin, on 16th May, when we will be in the capable hands of Helen and Dick Waide.

The fallen tree wasn’t an obstacle
Taking in the view

Leeside Amble

On 8th February a group of about 20 amblers had a pleasant walk along the banks of the Curraheen River, behind the old Tennis Village to the Mardyke, via the Lee Fields. Leader Mags McCarthy regaled the group with memories of childhood escapades in the area. The walk passed the point at which the River Lee divides into its north and south channels, just west of the Mardyke. Some of the group climbed up on the Shaky Bridge, to experience the “shake” for possibly the last time before its refurbishment.

We returned to the Tennis Village, now known as The Model Farm, for a very tasty lunch.

Amble in Warrenscourt

 

 

For our March 8th Amble,17 Cork RTA members met near Lissarda on the main Macroom road (L3428) at the Warrenscourt Forest amenity area, a hidden gem with a gravelly pathway meandering alongside a small river and several strategically placed picnic benches.

 

The walk gradually sloped  upwards around a loop offering lovely views over the countryside and nearby Kilmurry village with its local museum. About 6.5 Kms in total, I’d highly recommend this walk to any group, families or individuals.
We returned to Mai Fitz’s pub/restaurant in Lissarda for lunch, again highly recommended. We’ll definitely come back to both places  in the future.
Thanks to Elizabeth O’Connell for the wonderful photographs.

Zumba Gold with Helen

On 9th March, nearly 40 members began Zumba dance/exercise classes in the SMA hall in Wilton with dance teacher Helen Conroy. She very expertly took the group through a number of dance moves and ensured a great energetic workout over the course of an hour. A few stiff muscles were guaranteed for the following day but no pain, no gain, it’ll be worth it. This session will continue for 6 weeks in total and is a hugely important activity in the Cork RTA calendar

Killavullen Hill Walk

On Tuesday February 13th a brave group of RTAI members travelled to Killavullen for a hillwalk. The walk was led by Mairead Twomey. Despite the extremely cold weather and rather icy roads, a group of 16 braved the elements. We met in O Regan’s shop in the village for a cuppa and facilities prior to the walk. Mairead was a font of information regarding the village. This small sleepy village has been birthplace to at least two famous people-Nano Nagle (no biography necessary) and Richard Hennessy- creator of one of the world’s best known and most-respected Cognac brands.

We set off at 11.30 and the walk proved to be most enjoyable. We experienced the proverbial “4 seasons” in one day. In fact one could well have thought that we were in the Alps as can be seen from the photographs. Snow fell heavily at one stage but the scenery was spectacular.

Afterwards a group retired to the Wild Goose in Dromahane for refreshments. However a number of the walkers had to forego lunch as they had a date with Sir Henry at the Opera House. Well done to Mairead for organising this most enjoyable walk. Next Hillwalk will take place on Mount Hillary on Thursday March 15th. This will be led by Mairead Twomey and Joan McCann. I will send details anon-names to be sent to me -Kathleen Lowney-as Clare Shelly is away.

Spring trip to Birr, Meath and Dublin

The  Spring trip to Co.Offaly and Co.Meath will take place from Monday, April 30th to Friday, May 4th.

Monday April 30th: Depart from Patrick’s Quay, Cork at 10.00.

Visit Roscrea Castle and Damer House followed by lunch in the town of Roscrea.

15.00  Check into the County Arms Hotel, Birr  with dinner at 19.00 hrs.

Tuesday, May 1st: 

10.30 Shannon River Cruise to Clonmacnoise

12.00 Group visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

14.00 Back to Birr. Afternoon in Birr town. Visit Birr Castle and Observatory or take an historic walking trail around Birr

Wednesday, May 2nd: 

10.00  Lough Boora Discovery Park

13.00 Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre group visit  followed by lunch

15.00 Depart for Gormanstown, Co.Meath

17.00 City North Hotel check in followed by Dinner

Thursday, May 3rd: 

10.30 Depart hotel heading for Oldbridge House

11.00 Battle of the Boyne Visitors centre visit. Gardens of Oldbridge House and Victorian Walled Garden followed by lunch

14.00 Brú na Bóinne Visitors centre including a visit to Newgrange

19.00 Dinner at hotel followed by music in the bar

Friday, May 4th

10.00 Depart City North heading for Dublin City

11.00 Drop off in Nassau St. for some free time to enjoy local attractions

15.00 Depart Nassau St.

16.00 End of tour dinner in the Westgrove Hotel

22.00 Arrive back in Cork  (approximate time)