A Camlough man is to host a mountain walk in the coming weeks to raise funds for two organisations providing vital services to those with special needs.
The Camlough Triangle Walk will take place on Saturday, April 29 at Camlough Mountain in the beautifully scenic Ring of Gullion area.
Walkers will enjoy an 8km ramble through the south Armagh countryside, with the hike to start and finish in the Doyle’s Bar beer garden in Camlough.
With an entry fee of £12, proceeds are in aid of Special Olympics Ireland and the Newry Gateway Club, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
All those who take part are asked to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and attend the pre-walk briefing to ensure a safe trek. After the walk, they will receive a specially designed bespoke medal to mark their achievement.
The event will be stewarded by the Camlough Community Association and Sean Quinn with the Run for Autism committee.
Paddy Duffy – who is organising the walk alongside Colm Fearon and the Hiking Hens – is involved with the two benefitting organisations.
The Newry & District Gateway Club, which was founded in 1973, is a club for young people with learning disabilities, aiming to give them more opportunities to socialise with their peers.
Paddy is also a volunteer with Special Olympics Ireland. He hopes to attend the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin this year.
Paddy, who has been engaged in voluntary work for 55 years, says that both organisations require “much needed funds”.
With the Gateway Club celebrating its milestone anniversary year, Paddy says he is determined to make it a special one for the club.
He explained: “Voluntary groups are struggling and they depend on the community to help them with their fundraising.
“It’s going to get harder as time goes by, so we have sustained it for 50 years and I would like to set out a legacy that we start for the next 50 years on a strong foot.”
Speaking on the Triangle Walk, Paddy said: “It’s a mountain walk and it rambles across the top of the Camlough Mountain and reaches into parts of south Armagh like a triangle….It’s a nice wee challenge and suitable for all age groups.
“It’s about eight kilometres and it’s an adventure. It’s a safe course, well supervised and well marshalled, and because there’s a march for Save our Surgery Daisy Hill that same day, we have come up with a shorter walk for to facilitate people that will like to support the charities.”
“There’s a beautiful bespoke medal for those who take part,” he added.
You can register to take part in the Camlough Triangle Walk here.
