Kicking off this week, we return to the Dungarvan Leader and an update on a remarkable physical challenge being undertaken by a Tallow native who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 38…
And I was delighted to see this piece on Page 23 of this week’s Leader about Ian O’Brien, who now resides at Abbeyside and is halfway through his attempt to scale the highest peak of each European Union Member State as well as the United Kingdom to raise money for Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD).
So far, a total of 12 peaks have been scaled in France, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. “The journey began with Ian climbing 3,167 metres up Mont Blanc but (he had) to stop climbing at the Tete Rousse hut because of unusually heavy snow for the time of year which made climbing and dangerous underfoot conditions difficult and dangerous.”
Writing on social media, Ian stated: “My balance issues, one of the many symptoms of Parkinson’s, and exacerbated on the heavy fresh snow would simply have put more than just my life at risk.” So on Ian’s behalf, friends Brian Roche and Lorraine McDonnell completed the climb and reached the summit on Ian’s behalf.
While Ian was obviously disappointed not to summit Mont Blanc, he and his team have made fantastic progress in what he has justly described as “an incredible journey”. Ian told his social media followers he was “deeply grateful for the donations received (and) humbled by people’s generosity. While I’m having an amazing time, I look forward to returning home to my wife and girls.”
And if you want to follow Ian’s journey or donate to eopd.ie, please visit eurupian.com
Remaining on the adventurous theme, a report by Adam Doheny in this week’s Munster Express focuses on a Tramore man who is aiming to become the first person to ever walk the entire coastline of Wales…
And the adventurer in question is Aidan Ennis, who on Monday of this week began what’s expected to be a five-week trek in which he hopes to complete the Welsh 3000s Challenge, “which entails completing each of the fifteen 3,000 foot mountains on the Cymru coastline in 24 hours”.
Aidan will make his way across the peaks and valleys of Wales to raise funds for Brighter Communities Worldwide, an Irish Non-Governmental Organisation which has worked in partnership with communities in Kenya for the past 20 years.
Aidan, who is 55 years old, described Brighter Communities Worldwide as “hugely deserving; they work incredibly hard and their work over the past two decades has been tangible”. Aidan attests. The idea is to raise awareness and funds for its work in healthcare, sanitation, and economic empowerment.
He is being accompanied by his wife Emily and 10-year-old son Alex for the adventure and they’ll be meeting up with Aidan at the end of every day at campsites along the way. “Even though I will walk the route solo, this is a family expedition,” he said. They are my super support team!”
Aidan hopes to typically average between 50 to 60km each day, “so that will go a long way towards that target distance” – which will involve carrying all his gear, including a tent, food, and cooker.
A seasoned runner and experienced hiker, Aidan is “relishing” what’s ahead of him in Wales, even some overnights on the more remote sections of the Snowdonia mountains. And donations can be made through idonate.ie (and then searching for “the big walk”)
Staying on foot, Darragh Murphy has a story in this week’s Waterford News & Star about a new immersive city walking tour…
A pretty well-stacked field has received a new entry in the guise of Fin Dwyer, the creator of the Irish History Podcast, who will convene his walk this coming Saturday, June 24th.
“Designed for local history enthusiasts, travellers and curious minds alike, the tour goes beyond storytelling, where participants will not only hear the tales of the past, but also experience the sounds of Waterford through the ages”.
According to Fin: “There are few better places to explore Ireland’s rich history and heritage than Waterford…History is not just about facts and dates; it’s about people and stories – our ancestors who shaped not only Waterford but also wider Irish history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have lived here your entire life, the tour will give you a fresh perspective on Waterford.”
Each tour will be limited to 15 people which guarantees what Darragh describes as “an intimate and personalised experience”.
And you can find out more via irishhistorypodcast.ie/historytours
And finally, it was a big night for Waterford at the National Dairy Awards on Thursday last, which the Dungarvan Observer reports on this week…
It sure was and it proved to be an award-winning night for Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese (https://knockanorecheese.com/), the brainchild of Eamonn and Patricia Lonergan, which received the Bank of Ireland Best Artisan Cheese gong at the National Dairy Awards, which was held at Portlaoise’s Midlands Park Hotel.
The Lonergan family has been producing their award-winning raw milk cheddar cheese on their West Waterford family farm since 1987. Knockanore’s Oakwood Smoked Mature Cheddar, which is stocked in selected supermarkets and quality food stores nationwide, was welcomingly recognised by Award adjudicators and Edward Lonergan, the brand’s Sales & Finance Manager, was on hand to receive the award from Eoin Lowery, Bank of Ireland’s Head of Agriculture.
From a Waterford perspective, it was great to see the Déise flag flying high across several categories with Knockanore’s Kevin Moloney nominated for Germinal Responsible Grassland Manager of the Year; Margaret Keane of Carrick-on-Suir made the AHV Ireland Animal Health Dairy Farmer of the Year shortlist while Kilmeaden farmer David Foran was shortlisted for Herdwatch Tech Innovator Dairy Farmer of the Year.
And it was a great delight for Waterford-based Green Acre Marketing (https://www.greenacremarketing.ie/) to sponsor the Social Media Ambassador Award, which was won by Sophie Bell, a 24-year-old farmer from Virginia in County Cavan who details daily life on her family farm to more than 20,000 followers on Instagram and almost 9,500 followers on TikTok.
Sophie, who was recognised for using social media to promote the dairy industry, received her award from Green Acre Marketing Managing Director Aileen Barron – and a good night was had by all!
I review Waterford's local newspapers every Wednesday morning on WLRfm's 'Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie & Dymphna: https://www.wlrfm.com/shows/the-big-breakfast-blaa
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