Sligo Camino will be a ‘ joyous occasion’ as Sligo Way is repaired
FOREST fires that ravaged through Sligo in April/ May put a cloud of doubt over whether or not the Sligo Camino would go ahead.
The fires seriously damaged the Sligo Way, but repair funding announced by Minister of State Michael Ring allowed the popular walk way to be fixed just in time for the camino.
“We have 600 people taking part from 27 counties. It’s the biggest ever,” said Joe Fogarty, of Coolaney Development Group.
“It’s sold out since the 8th of April. I’m getting lots of emails asking if there are any cancellations - there aren’t. There is no waiting list.
“We are relying on a host of volunteers from groups like the Macra, the ICA, the women’s group, Coolaney United, Cafe Fia and a lot more,” he added.
This year’s event, he says, will be even more special.
“It will be a joyous event. It didn’t look like it was going to happen at one stage but the politicians were fantastic.
“The Councillors and TDs pulled the finger out and got it all sorted quickly.
It was fantastic. If that fire happened in Killarney or Westport six weeks before a major event it would have been fixed immediately.
“Our politicans rolled up their sleeves and I saw people working on it last Saturday.
“They were like angels in high vis jackets,” he joked.
“I’m really looking forward to showcasing some of the hidden parts of Sligo that maybe even some Sligo people have never seen, let alone people from other counties.”
The Sligo Camino takes place on July 1st, with all funds going to Cafe Fia.