‘100 lights’ lead the way past ford
WALKERS could hear a pin drop at Baravore ford in Glenmalure on Saturday as local poet Seán Healy recited his poem to the more than 100 hardy souls who braved the elements and attended the 100 lights walk in Glenmalure.
This inaugural event, organised by Glenmalure PURE Mile group, was attended by many from the local community, members of An Óige and Friends of Glenmalure Hostel, hill walkers, visitors and representatives of the Glens of Lead and Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue groups.
Following Chairperson Pat Dunne’s words of welcome, Carmel O’Toole gave an outline of the social history of the mining enterprises in the area and explained the context of the tradition of the 100 lights.
After this, Seán recited his poem ‘100 Lights’, which tells the story of the poor mining families who had little by way of luxury in Baravore in the mid-1800s, where they walked for up to nine miles to attend church services on Christmas morning in Greenane and Ballinatone.
One hundred lights were said to cross the ford at Baravore.
The group, led by mountain guide Charles O’Byrne, then crossed the ford, which was decorated with 100 candle lights, and proceeded along the new looped mining trail walking into the dusk of the evening. At the crusher house, the walkers heard a brief outline of its history as well as an outline of the recent restoration works.
The group continued along the heritage trail to the An Óige hostel where Billy Duffin and the Friends of Glenmalure Hostel offered the use of their facilities and refreshments were served.
Afterwards, well-known local musician Eugene Fitzpatrick led those gathered to a feast of entertainment.
Seán Healy sang some ballads about Glenmalure, Jane Clarke recited some of her own poetry and many others joined in the evening of stories, poetry, music and song.