Tom Crean Challenge to set off with queen of seven summits

AN Annascaul woman who has climbed the highest peaks in each of the world’s seven continents will lead walkers out on next Saturday’s Tom Crean Challenge Walk as they head into the hills of West Kerry.

Mary Scannell, who was born in Annascaul and now lives in England, will take part in the walk, which takes place as part of the fifth Tom Crean festival in Annascaul. The 19 mile walk starts from Baile Breac at 8am on Saturday. The walkers will pass the summit of Mount Brandon and cross the Conor Pass where well appreciated sandwiches donated by Garvey’s Supervalu will be ready for them. The second half brings the walkers across the hills to An Com Dubh Mór and along the river to the South Pole Inn.

Mary Scannell has climbed the highest summits on seven continents, culminating with Mt Everest on 13th May 2016. She is one of only five Irish women and is the third Kerry person to complete this incredible feat, which has been achieved by fewer than 300 people in the world.

Local committee members undertook the walk last Saturday to lay down markers for the participants. The walk requires a high level of fitness and must be completed in 10 hours in order to receive a medal from Aileen Crean O’Brien, Tom Crean’s granddaughter. The number of participants is limited to 200 and the places were snapped up within hours of the entries opening in February.

A barbecue will follow the walk in Hanafin’s bar and, also on Saturday and Sunday evenings, there is an opportunity to see Aidan Dooley’s one man show Tom Crean Antarctic Explorer. Tickets are available from The South Pole Inn. For more information see www.tomcreanfestival.com