Destination Lismire - The Place of a Thousand Welcomes

It was an early start and Michael and I were on the road at 8.30am and first stop was Drishane and then onward to the Blackwater crossing the river at the same ford as O Suillan Beare 400 years previous. The river was in full flow and a great challenge to begin our day. Back on "terra firma" our next appointment was with the students of Derrinagree National school. The students provided a wonderful welcome and showed great interest in how, why and when the march took place. The whole school then accompanied us out the gate and escorted us for a mile up the road to ensure we had safe passage.
On our way our visit to Breda whose hospitality and sense of fun put us in high spirits. Motoring and Newmarket at 3.00pm was our next goal and Ted ensured we made the appointment.

Here we were met by representatives from Lismire who escorted us to their homplace. Long after this trip is over will I remember the welcome, kindness and and friendship that we were shown this afternoon in Lismire. It is certainly the place of welcomes and Thank you Sheila and all your community of Lismire.

To end a perfect day MIchael brought me to his home place to meet his family.
A further 30 kilometers up the track as I record this blog my lasting thoughts are even though the scenery is very beautiful, it is the people that make this a very special place.
Le fior buiochas

"Welcome to Country"

We were farewelled by Neil Lucey who provided us with a wonderful overnight stay at Gougane Barra Hotel and arranged for us to meet up with Donal Cronin at Seipeilin Eachras. It was here OSullivan Beare spent his first night on the march and being sacred ground he was assured he would not be attacked. We were also
most fortunate to have Padraig join us with his son Daniel and he provided wonderful leadership and understanding of the area. Donal Cronin was so generous to allow us on his land and also give a most interesting insight into Tempeallin Eachras and I believe it is a place that will remain with us. Padraig then led us right through to Gort an Scairte and our team of Mary and Jean, Barry and I ably led by Padraig and Daniel.
Next on our programme was Ballingeary where we were welcomed to country by Rachel Ni Riada who began by giving us a tour of St Gobnait Cemetry, suffice to say this is a must for any one visiting Ballingeary, for now I suggest you do your own research, and will inspire you to visit.
Cathal O Riada was our leader in the afternoon as we headed northwards over the hills leaving Ballingeary and Coolea behind.
Running(walking!) behind schedule Joe and Willie welcomed us to Millstreet by leading us over the last climb of the day and into Millstreet
A day that began at 9.15am came to close at 6.15pm and some 20 odd miles covered was again a very special day and I finish by saying a Cead Mile Maith Agaibh to Padraig agus Donal, Rachel agus Cathal, Joe and Willie for their Welcome to Country.
This would not have happened if not for the kindness, enthusiasm and boundless energy and fun from my sister Jean and brother Paddy, a Hugh Big THANKS

No place like West Cork

Our schedule today was to go over the mountains and get to Gouganne Barra. Pat o Mahony was the chief for the day and we reported at 9.15am in Glengariff.
Our group was made up of Cait, Tommy, Des and joined later by, Padraig Liam and Ted. It was a "cracking" day and the fun, laughs and comradrie I feel so lucky to have been part of. Dan and Monica arrived with lunch and it was a feast and the "uisce beatha" was dispensed liberally, it provided the perfect tonic for our afternoon climb. The generosity and kindness displayed by Dan and Monica will be a lasting memory and provide me with water for life.
The afternoon provided us with a steep climb and in a sense a stairway to heaven, such was the beauty. The curtins were drawn to some extent but the breaks in the cloud provided a view to behold a landscape untouched. This matched by a wonderful group of people led by Pat and the twenty six kilometers covered made for the perfect day.
I urge you to get to Gouganebarra and enjoy

The Day Arrives

After months of planning we set out from Dunboy the historic home of O
Sullivan Beare. We were given a farewell by the O Sullivan Chief, Mr Michael OSullivan
and charged with the responsibility of passing on his greetings to the O Rourkes of Leitrim. Further dignitaries present were Mr Gerry o Sullivan local politician and representatives of Local historic society and Beara tourism as well as O Sullivans from Beare Island who made an early crossing to bid us farewell. We were led out of Dunboy Castle by Sara on her horse in away as a tribute toO Sullivan Beare whose own horse "An Cearc" has his own role in the overall story.
Weather conditions ensured we wouldn't be dehydrated and wet conditions prevailed throughout.
Nevertheless, enthusiastically we set out and from Dunboy we headed to Castletownbeare and the plan was to have lunch at Adrigole, this stage estimated 18 kilometers. We were greeted here by the local publican and local people ventured out in the rain to lend support.
Suitably replenished onward and upwards and the afternoon session into Glengariff was the plan. Again planning was spot on and two minutes to five we marched into Deasys Pub having completed 38 kilometers, a bit weary but all agreed a most enjoyable day.
Mention to Carla, Paddy, John and Derry were there all the way and braved the West Cork elements of wind and rain.
It is only appropriate to acknowledge the O Sullivan Clan whose unstinting support has allowed this to happen and in particular Mr Jim O Sullivan and Also Paddy Lonergan who so effectively, efficiently and good humoredly coordinated the whole March