Big turnout for Good Friday walk
THE events of the Easter weekend rolled off with the annual Good Friday Walk, always organised by Derarca Goldie, for the benefit of the Kerry Hospice. It commenced, as usual, from outside the GAA grounds in Chapeltown, to go along the main road to Knightstown and continue by the Shore (Lower) Road to finish for refreshments at Derarca Goldie’s house in Chapeltown.
Weather conditions were initially good, but latterly deteriorated to misty conditions. However, it did not dampen the spirits of those of a varying cross section of age groups who took part.
About sixty participated on this occasion with all proceeds going to the Kerry Hospice.
Easter Saturday brought pleasant weather conditions with the social highlight of the day being the surprise sixtieth birthday party held on Saturday night in the Ring Lyne of Chapeltown for GG O’Sullivan, a well respected Dublin based son of that village.Guests of honour on the night were Jim and Sheila Morris of Pinewood Estate in Killarney, who were warmly greeted by GG and friends. The McGill brothers provided the music with Jim Morris also contributing solo with a few songs.
Jim and Sheila Morris were also afforded a tour of the surrounds and beauty of Valentia Island by their good friend Pat O’Connor of Cooil. Pat also gave them a tour of the social outlets of Valentia and Portmagee on Easter Monday.
Easter Sunday was quite busy on Valentia with, first, the Rás Mumhan cycling event coming to the island via Chapeltown to continue up the Chapel Road and head westwards through Feighmane and Foilhammerum before exiting through the Valentia Bridge.
This caused much excitement in Chapeltown on Easter Sunday morning as patrons left the Ring Lyne tavern to line the village road on either side to observe the riders go by.
The spectacle of athletic cyclists draped in a variety of colours together with accompanying teams of cars,vans and motor bikes with associated clamour and cheering was a sight to behold. Long may it continue.
Valentia then competed against Tousist in Chapeltown in a Co. Junior championship encounter ,but were defeated on a score of 1-10 to 1-11. The evening saw a Car Treasure Hunt on the roads of Valentia organised by the Valentia Island Resource and Childcare Centre ( VIRCC).
Thirteen cars competed and the winners were Seathra O’Donoghue, Siobhán Guiney, Tim Roche and young Ella Purcell. They had quite an impressive score of 27 from 28 questions. Comhghairdeas dóibh. The Easter ceremonies were celebrated by Fr Pat Sugrue of Dromid.