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Joe Costello, Johnny Enright, Mary Wallace, Jim Moriarty, Jimmy Mulligan, Derek O’Sullivan, Marie Fitzgibbon and Conor Culloo of the organising committee of the St Pats GAA Dingle Way Challenge, looking forward to the event this Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THIS year’s St Pats GAA Dingle Way Challenge could turn out to be one of the biggest yet as organisers say registrations for the event are up on the same time last year.
Participants are encouraged to go along on Sunday, June 2, to discover the spectacular landscapes and seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula and enjoy a great day of walking and talking with friends, old and new.
Speaking on Monday, Joe Costello of the organising committee said they were all set for the event. “Last year we had about 220 people taking part and we’re up a good bit with online registrations so far on this time last year. It’s up about 20% with 160 already registered, but we always get a good few who arrive on the morning of the event.”
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“We’re hoping for a good crowd again. It’s a massive fundraiser for us. We’re constantly trying to upgrade our facilities here and to promote the club to get more players here,” said Joe.
With options for all, from the casual walker to the ‘ultra’ enthusiast, it’s going to be a fun way to spend the Sunday. There are two ‘Standard Route’ options of 31k and 53k and a Ultra Route of 60k.
For the two standard routes, buses leave Blennerville at 7.00am sharp, participants to register at least 30min before. Start 8.00am at Ballyferriter and walk around Clogher Head to Duncaoin for breakfast in the famous Krugers, from there walk around Slea Head and to Ventry and on to Dingle for lunch.
Leaving Dingle on the old Conor Pass Road and turning east along the high road with spectacular views of Dingle Bay and then via Lispole and Minard with the finish in Annascaul.
Option 1: Ballyferriter to Dingle (31km), return buses to Blennerville available from Dingle.
Option 2: Ballyferriter to Annascaul (53km), return buses to Blennerville available from Dingle or Annascaul.
For the Dingle Way Challenge Ultra (60km), buses leave Blennerville at 4.30am sharp, participants to register at least 30min before.
Start at 5.45am at Murrragh walk via Smerwick Harbour and Slea Head and on to Duncaoin for breakfast at Krugers, from there walk around Slea Head and on to Ventry and to Dingle for lunch.
Leaving Dingle on the old Connor Pass Road and turning east along the high road with spectacular views of Dingle Bay and then via Lispole and Minard with the finish in Annascaul.
Hot showers and changing facilities will be provided in Blennerville. Your bag will be transported to each intermediate stop for you.
The route is fully stewarded and way marked. First Aid, walking guides, route maps with information on places of interest and return transport from each station will be provided.
As a reward, there’s a BBQ in Quanes of Blennerville afterwards. You can register online at www.stpatsgaaclub.com It costs €50 to register.
