‘Tis the season to be walking...

THE annual Christmas walk in Rathmore is one of the best social gatherings of the year as hundreds of people like to shake off the cobwebs while enjoying a stroll in the great outdoors. There is also the added bonus of raising a few bob for some very worthy charities and local organisations. The 2018 beneficiary is the Kerry Hospice.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, December 30 starting from The Bridge Bar in Rathmore. People will have the option of participating in three walks: Clonkeen Church to the Bridge Bar, the Paps Mountains (weather permitting), and a walk from the Bridge Bar to the local credit union and back again. All levels of fitness are covered and it’s suitable for people of all ages and families to come along and get involved.

Registration is €10 (registration starts at 11am). Free buses for the walk will leave at 12:30pm; the cars for the walk will also leave at this time. There will be lots of spot prizes and hampers up for grabs afterwards at The Bridge Bar, where walkers can enjoy some food and light refreshments.

“It’s a great event and by staging three walks and a climb, it gives people of all ages and levels of fitness a chance to partake in a great day out,” said walk organiser, Denis Desmond.

The Kerry Hospice do incredible work throughout the county helping people and their families through their battle with cancer. The latter affects many families and people generously support what is a wonderful origination.

“It’s something that affects everyone and we’re happy to have Kerry Hospice as our recipient this year. This walk has raised money for various organisations over the years and we feel it’s good to spread the goodwill around. We had hundreds of people at last year’s walk and the hope is even more people will come and support it this year,” said Denis.

So remember: meet at The Bridge Bar, Rathmore on Sunday, December 30. Registration is €10 and is at 11:00am. The buses and cars will be leaving at 12:30pm; the walk from Clonkeen Church to the Bridge Bar (is about 8 miles); a group will head up to Shrone in the Paps Mountains for a climb (weather permitting), while there will also be a Family Walk for people with young children, or perhaps older people who just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Denis wishes to thank everyone for their support and help. In particular the free buses, food and refreshments. The walks are a team effort and without this it would not take place.

Adrian Moriarty Manager, Butcher Billy Moore, Alan O’Sullivan and AnnMarie Moriarty who will look after all your Christmas needs at Hickey’s Centra, West End, Rathmore.

The Annual Charity Walk in Rathmore will start this year from the Bridge Bar Rathmore.