Dawn chorus walk will work up your appetite for famous barbecued breakfast

CASTLEMAGNER Sinsir Club will host their annual Dawn Chorus walk in Castlemagner on the morning of Saturday, April 29 starting at 5am, with funds raised going to the Intensive Care Unit of the Mercy University Hospital Cork.

The four mile walk, with optional pick-up points along the route, will feature a range of wild bird habitats such as open grassland and farmland, deciduous woodland, waterways and hedgerows.

This year’s walk will also incorporate the panoramic views of the historic battle site of the hill of Knocknanuss.

The guides on the morning will be birdwatch expert Vivian O’Gorman and Fr. Michael Dorgan PP.

The starting point for the walk is located near Bourke’s of Subulter and assembly there is at 4.45am. Those who are unfamiliar with the area should head for Castle-magner Community Centre, from where they will be directed by stewards to the start-ing point.

Entry fee for adults is €10 and for children is €5 (includes breakfast). Registration is at the starting point.

Walkers are asked to wear suitable walking boots.

The Castlemagner walk is famous for its hearty full Irish barbecued breakfast, served at the community centre on completion of the walk.

Funds raised through the walk will be used to purchase a new ultrasound machine for the ICU at the Mercy University Hospital which will allow faster delivery of treatment and further enhance patient safety and comfort at the Mercy.

As this is such a worthy cause, all donations and support will be greatly appreciated.

Those who feel unable to take part in the walk but would like to show their support, are more than welcome to join in the social barbecued breakfast banquet at Castlemagner Community Centre after the walk, where voluntary donations by non walkers may be made.

The Intensive Care team at the Mercy cares for the most critically ill patients using life-supporting and life-saving equipment. An ultrasound machine helps administer essential fluids and nutrients, specialised medication, and assists in major surgeries including neurological procedures and cancer surgeries. However, there is currently only one ultrasound machine, shared between five surgical theatres at the Mercy.

The new ultrasound machine will enable doctors and nurses to carry out life-saving procedures even faster; ensure patients can receive essential medication in a comfortable environment; and aid patient recovery.

Encouraging people to join this enjoyable community walk, Deirdre Finn, Campaigns & Community Manager, Mercy University Hospital Foundation said: “Our mission is to inspire people to support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments and care of patients at The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital.

“We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters like those who will rise bright and early on April 29 and join the Castlemagner Dawn Chorus Walk.”

For further information on the work of the Mercy Hospital Foundation visit www.mercyfundraising.ie.