Camino 2017 the ‘biggest and best’ ever, say organisers
THIS year’s Sligo Camino walk was the biggest ever, with 600 people from 27 different counties taking part in the annual event.
The event started four years ago with 100 tickets being sold, and this year the event rose to 600 places. There were concerns over whether or not the 34km walk would go ahead after parts of the Sligo Way were destroyed during forest fires in May. But funding was granted for the repair of the walkway, much to the delight of the organisers of the Sligo Camino.
“There are so many people we have to thank. The local Councillors, TDs and Minister Michael Ring for getting the board-walk fixed and getting the money for that. It looked fantastic,” said Joe Fogarty, Chairman of Coolaney Development Company.
“Thanks to Deirdre Kennedy for ensuring the route was in pristine condition, the verges were all trimmed and the signs were all visible. The boardwalk now has handrails and there’s benches for people to sit down on too. Credit to all our sponsors who really helped us out.
There were volunteers on the night from Rathbarron, the ICA Coolaney, Coolaney Women’s Group, Cafe Fia, Sligo Volunteer Centre, the Civil Defence,the Macra na Feirme, Coolaney United and Coolaney Gospel Choir. There was around 60-65 volunteers helping out.
Joe says that the local response to such an event is what makes it so popular.
“As delighted as we were with the people coming from 27 counties, what was equally as inspirational was the local response, that is partly what helps with sustaining the event.
“Val Robus took lovely photos and her social media management brought the event into the eyes of the world.”
The organisers have received brilliant feedback, and have already had enquiries about next year’s event.
“The feedback was phenomenal. People loved it. They really relished it. There was great craic and great camaraderie during the walks. The walkers were so nice to deal with, it was all about the volunteers. The stewards, the leaders, everyone, they really looked after all of the walkers.”
The money raised will go towards local facilities in Coolaney.
“It’s not so much the product but it’s the people that makes it so special. We’re already getting requests for next year’s walk. The money raised goes to community facilities like the park, the centre, Cafe Fia, it’s not a private thing.
“The event has grown from word of mouth. It will be bigger and better next year, there will be a few more places.”