Large turnout for the Galtees Print

Peaks Mountaineering Club  21st February 2010

The Galtee Mountains were the place to be on Sunday last and the Peaks Club were there in force with two very well supported walks. The early walk was led by John Byrne and Ger Barrett who led off 11 very fit clubbers from the Youth Hostel in Glengarra wood at a cracking pace. John was rehearsing his role of leader of the pack and no one was going to get ahead of him on the Galtees. Leading from the front with his lieutenant Ger in close support Greenane was easily attained and straight on to Loughlin’s Castle before a break. Off again towards Galty Beg eating on the hoof and up Galtymore in a stretched line. On top John adjusted his walk to enable catch up before dropping off to Monabrack. A course adjustment was made at the farmhouse before setting off by way of Knocknagalty and the top of Coopers Wood which had John’s crew on the final leg of the return journey. Tom took an educated shortcut back while there was a crew split at the air crash monument. The cute ones kept low and used forest tracks back while the leaders group climbed Knockeenatoung and practised bottom skiing in anticipation of holidays doing the real thing on the slopes later. All arrived back in good order after a real hard days walking in great conditions on the Galtees which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Sean Walsh assisted by Kay and Jimmy led the noon walk and Sean brought his group in from the little road after the Defence forces practice range in Kilcoran. Seans walk was one of the largest this season with 33 club members out for the day . Once parked up and geared he led off up the path to height point 597 on ordinance survey map no 74. Next stop was point no 631 all of which are in meters and in old measurement nearly 2000 feet. Sean led a gentle walk with some new members and a large crew and once all were accounted for it was down the spur to the sheep pens and back to the cars after enjoying lovely views and good exercise in fresh air on the Galtee Mountains. Afterwards Sean had a surprise for all when they were invited to a picnic at his house which all enjoyed greatly and finished off a great days out on the mountains.
Reminder of our away day in the Blackstairs on the 7th March. Ciaran Culleton is leading and this is a long day for the fit with about 9 hours walking and climbing. A bus is booked from Eldon’s and we need names please to ensure a seat. Call Nuala or put your name on the list in the corner in Eldon’s. The Knockmealdown crossing takes place on Saturday the 24th April and club members are needed to man checkpoints, mark cards and all the little things which make the crossing work.Peaks committee members please note the meeting this Thursdays nigh 25th on this issue.
All walks on Sunday the 28th are in the Knockmealdown’s and the leaders are. 10am walk is led Tom Dalton and Michael Tobin. 12pm noon walk is led by Bernard Lennon assisted by Aine Lynch and Tom Ryan. All walks start from Eldon’s at the given time and more details on your meets list or on our website www.peaksmcclonmel.ie . If you do not have access to a computer cal, the PRO Bernard on 0862937220 and he will give you details and contacts.