New hopes for outdoor recreation - State advisory body receives new mandate Cork county high point - Mountaineering Ireland
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Autumb 2019 €3.95 UK£3.40 ISSN 0790 8008 Issue 131
New hopes for outdoor recreation
State advisory body receives new mandate
Cork county high point
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www.mountaineering.ie
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2 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019
A word from the edItor
ISSUE 131
The Irish Mountain Log is the
❝
membership magazine of
Mountaineering Ireland. The
Welcome
organisation promotes the interests
of hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland.
Mountaineering Ireland
Mountaineering Ireland Ltd is a
company limited by guarantee and
C
éad míle fáilte! There is a chill in registered in Dublin, No 199053.
the air and the leaves are turning Registered office: Irish Sport HQ,
yellow and red and brown, so National Sports Campus,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
autumn is truly here! Generally,
Tel: (+353 1) 625 1115
however, it has been a good year so far for New restrictions are being Fax: (+353 1) 625 1116
getting out and about, so we must not sought on the numbers info@mountaineering.ie
complain. attempting everest each year www.mountaineering.ie
* * * * * * Hot Rock Climbing Wall
It can only be hoped that they are, so as Tollymore Mountain Centre
After the fourth deadliest season ever on Bryansford, Newcastle
to reduce the number of avoidable deaths
Everest with eleven deaths, climbers and County Down, BT33 0PT
on the mountain each year.
guiding companies have called for Tel: (+44 28) 4372 5354
Given the issues it has around youth@mountaineering.ie
changes in the way the government of
commercial expeditions to Mount Everest,
Nepal issues permits to climb the
Mountaineering Ireland’s policy is that it Editor: Patrick O’Sullivan
mountain. The large numbers climbing the Tel: (+353 1) 837 8166 (pm, wknds)
would be better for climbers to attempt a
mountain and the inexperience of some iml-editor@mountaineering.ie
less popular 8,000m peak – or maybe one
climbers, and of some of the trekking Literary Editor: Peter O’Neill
of the many unclimbed 6,000m peaks in iml-literaryeditor@mountaineering.ie
companies, were blamed for the high
the region – than to add to the increasing
death toll in the latest pre-monsoon
numbers attempting Everest each year The Irish Mountain Log is published by
season. Mountaineering Ireland four times a
and contributing to the environmental
A group established to look at the year, in March, June, September,
issues there.
matter has recommended increasing the December. The material published in
However, as the highest summit in the the Log by the voluntary editorial team
experience required for climbers to be
world, Everest is always going to have an and contributors must not be taken as
issued with a permit, and for trekking
attraction for mountaineers. official Mountaineering Ireland policy
companies to be allowed to guide unless specifically stated.
climbers on the mountain. * * * * * *
However, reducing visitor numbers Copy deadline for the Winter 2019
I hope that we will all be able to take issue of the Irish Mountain Log is:
will have an economic impact on the
advantage of the reasonable weather, Friday, November 1st 2019.
mountain communities, trekking
while it is still with us, to safely enjoy the
companies and the government, so it Advertising: info@mountaineering.ie
Irish uplands in the coming weeks.
remains to be seen if the
recommendations will be implemented. Patrick O’Sullivan, Editor Production: Cóilín MacLochlainn,
environs@iol.ie
Printing: GPS Colour Graphics Ltd,
Alexander Road, Belfast BT6 9HP
Tel: +44 (0)28 9070 2020
Write for the Log PARTICIPATION AND RISK
Readers of the Irish Mountain Log are
reminded that hillwalking and climbing
Contributions of features, news items and photographs for are activities with a danger of personal
the Irish Mountain Log are always welcome and should be injury or death. Participants in these
sent to the Editor at: iml-editor@mountaineering.ie. activities should be aware of and
accept these risks, and be responsible
for their own actions and involvement.
Contributors’ guidelines can be downloaded from the
Mountaineering Ireland publishes and
Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie. promotes safety and good practice
advice and through the Mountain
To join Mountaineering Ireland and receive four issues of the ON THE COVER Training Board of Ireland administers a
Irish Mountain Log delivered to your door each year, please hillwalking on Binn Chaonaigh in the range of training programmes for
maamturks, Co Galway, with Binn Idir
also go to the website, www.mountaineering.ie. walkers and climbers.
An dá Log in the background
PHOTOGRAPH
heLeN LAwLeSS
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 3
CONTENTS Autumn 2019
A tor (rock outcrop) in Coumshingaun in
the Comeraghs. See story, page 34
News 14 Irish project in contention 38 Can Coronation Plantation
for UIAA award be saved?
5 Funding for Women in Sport Patrick O’Sullivan reports By Cóilín MacLochlainn
programme renewed 15 ‘Protect Our Winters’ 42 Hanging out on Hekla
Ruth Whelan reports campaign grows By Michael Guilfoyle
6 New club membership Graeme Glennon reports 44 North Wollo Highlands trek
By Margaret O’Mahony
fees set 16 Women in Sport Co-ordinator
Murrough McDonagh reports post advertised 48 Bears walk in Ethiopia
By Murrough McDonagh By Marian Wallis
7 Hillwalking Development
Officer appointed 52 No country for old men
16 Autumn Gathering in the By Jack Bergin
Photographs: Margaret Flannagan (Coumshingaun), Patrick O’Sullivan (Nepal Ireland Day), John Harrison (top rope belaying)
Patrick O’Sullivan reports Comeraghs
8 New mandate for Comhairle 16 Club support meetings
na Tuaithe Regulars
Helen Lawless reports 17 Sir Chris Bonington to 24 Crossword Competition
8 Photo posts for Clare trails deliver Lynam Lecture
56 Training
10 Three Kerry peninsulas hike 18 Nepal Ireland Day celebrated Jane Carney reports
completed in style 60 Good Practice Guides (No 5)
Patrick O’Sullivan reports By John Harrison
11 Tipperary Suir Blueway
officially opened 19 New access rules proposed 62 Books
for Mount Everest Reviews of recent books
12 Henry’s Cottage: new club
hut in the Mournes 66 The Last Word
By Vicky Ward News Features Gerry Walker
13 Path repairs planned for 20 Walking in Lanzarote
Croagh Patrick By Liam Roche
Helen Lawless reports 22 Nutrition and hydration
13 New advice for visitors Jane Leonard provides some tips
to Cuilcagh Mountain 25 The refuge that married a wall
Helen Lawless reports By Margaret Tees
Climbing
26 Youth Trad Climbing Camps
Damien O’Sullivan reports
28 Burren Climbing Meet 2019
Damien O’Sullivan reports
29 Competitions table
By Damien O’Sullivan
Features
Traditional costume at Nepal Ireland Day 30 Quiet mountain Top rope belaying at Suas Climbing Centre, Limerick
By Don Baldwin
18 NEPAL IRELAND DAY 34 Jewel of the Comeraghs
By Margaret Flanagan
60 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE No 5
4 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019
Newsdesk
Staff & Board
General enquirieS
info@mountaineering.ie
Staff
Chief executive Officer
Murrough McDonagh,
murrough@mountaineering.ie
administration Officer
Siobhán Quinn, info@mountaineering.ie
Hillwalking Development Officer
Ruth Whelan, ruth@mountaineering.ie
access & Conservation Officer
Helen Lawless, helen@mountaineering.ie
training Officer
Jane Carney, jane@mountaineering.ie
training Office administrator
Laura Griffin, laura@mountaineering.ie
Climbing Officer
Damien O’Sullivan,
damien@mountaineering.ie
Youth Development Officer for
northern ireland
Kevin Kilroy, kevin@mountaineering.ie
Project Coordinator, indoor
Climbing/Social inclusion Project
Natasza Berlowska,
natasza@mountaineering.ie
Get irelanD WalkinG initiative
Programme Manager, Get ireland Walking Participants at Women With Altitude event in Connemara in May 2019 enjoying a day in the hills
Jason King, jason@getirelandwalking.ie
MOuntaineerinG irelanD
BOarD OffiCerS
Funding for Women in Sport
President
Paul Kellagher
president@mountaineering.ie
programme renewed
Chairperson
Paul Barron Mountaineering Ireland receives €50,000 Women in Sport Funding
chairperson@mountaineering.ie
By Ruth Whelan women officiating.
BOarD MeMBerS ■ Active Participation
Imelda Buckley Mountaineering Ireland was delighted to Significantly reduce the active sport
(Chair of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee) be named as one of the National participation gradient between men
imelda-board@mountaineering.ie Governing Bodies selected to receive and women. Reduce the drop-out
Helen Donoghue support in the latest round of Women in from physical activity and sport in
(Chair of Access & Conservation Committee) Sport Funding from Sport Ireland. young girls. Engage with women of a
helen-board@mountaineering.ie This funding will help the existing minority background.
■
Trish Kane Women in Sport programmes within Leadership and Governance
trish-board@mountaineering.ie Mountaineering Ireland to progress, as Progress towards greater gender
Colette Mahon well as enabling the introduction of new balance in board membership of
colette-board@mountaineering.ie programmes over the next two years. funded bodies. Provide a pathway for
Michael Maunsell These programmes will help deliver women aspiring to become leaders of
mike-board@mountaineering.ie Mountaineering Ireland’s goals with funded bodies.
■
Gráinne McLaughlin regards to female participation as
Visibility
(Chair of Hillwalking Committee) identified in the current strategic plan,
Increase the visibility and profile of our
grainne-board@mountaineering.ie which was launched last year.
female role models in sport. Use the
Clare O’Connor Mountaineering Ireland’s Strategic Plan
heroes of today to inspire the next
clare-board@mountaineering.ie 2018-2021 links the Women in Sport
generation of future Olympians and
Dawson Stelfox programmes with the four pillars outlined Paralympians.
(Chair of Mountain Training Board Ireland) by Sport Ireland in its Women in Sport
Photograph: Anne McPartland
dawson-board@mountaineering.ie policy: Coaching and Officiating, Active
Geoff Thomas Participation, Leadership and Governance, Mountaineering Ireland’s CEO Murrough
(Chair of Climbing Committee) and Visibility. McDonagh would like to thank Sport
geoff-board@mountaineering.ie Ireland and Government Ministers
■ Coaching and Officiating Brendan Griffin and Shane Ross for their
Broaden the coaching base to include investment in increasing and supporting
more women from grassroots to high female participation in hillwalking and
performance. Increase the number of climbing throughout the island of Ireland ■
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 5
NEWSL0G
New club membership fees set
Here below are Mountaineering Ireland’s new club membership fees for the 2019/2020 season:
rates for young people – Discontinued as mandated by our
firstly for club members aged discounts membership in 2018
under 23 years of age, who
are discounted to €20.50
The discounts for early
payment and for clubs with
• Continue lobbying for
improved and assured
each; and secondly, where over 200 members have access for responsible
club members are under 23 been discontinued. hillwalkers and climbers
By Murrough McDonagh years of age and are sons or
daughters of registered
The new club membership
fee of €35.00 covers all of
• Strengthen our support
for clubs and hillwalkers
Following a motion passed at members of their club, a our benefits and services, by establishing a new
special discounted rate of including insurance and the Hillwalking Committee
the Mountaineering Ireland
€7.60 each applies for their Irish Mountain Log. It will no and ensuring that we have
AGM on March 30th, 2019, the
longer be possible for a full-time Hillwalking
new annual club membership club membership annually.
members to pay a lower fee Development Officer
fee of Mountaineering Ireland Apart from these two
will be set at €35.00 for all discounted rates for young
by opting out of particular
benefits or services.
• Strive to ensure that
mountain landscapes are
club members, commencing people, the fee for all other
valued and protected
on November 1st, 2019 for the Mountaineering Ireland club
upcoming club year members is set at €35.00
New clubs, new
members
• Work with other relevant
organisations to tackle
(November 1st, 2019, to each. Clubs joining Mountaineering upland path erosion
October 31st, 2020). Mountaineering Ireland will
shortly be reviewing the
Ireland for the first time can
continue to affiliate before
• Develop and promote
formal and informal
Discounts membership fees for the new membership year training to meet the needs
There are two discounted individual members. starts, from September 1st of hillwalkers and climbers
onwards, getting up to
fourteen months’ • Encourage young people
to participate in all
membership for the price of aspects of
twelve months. mountaineering
The same arrangement
• Continue to ensure we get
Mountaineering Ireland continues to provide the
applies for existing clubs
the highest level of
book service previously operated by Joss
registering newly-joined benefits in our insurance
Lynam. We can supply you with guidebooks
members at that time of the policy at competitive
and maps to almost any part of the world.
year. However, in both of rates
For the walker, there is a large collection of •
these situations the new fee
Offer an annual suite of
Cicerone guides and books, or the wider
of €35.00 per member will
membership events
selection of books and guides distributed
apply from September 1st,
(Gatherings, Winter
by Cordee which also includes many
2019. Lectures, Meets,
climbing guides. Books reviewed in the Environmental Workshops,
Irish Mountain Log can usually be
November 1st Lynam Lecture, Coaching
purchased through Joss Books with a renewal date and Training events and
members’ discount. To place an order, It is important to have all Club Development
ring the Mountaineering Ireland office clubs affiliated on or before initiatives).
on (01) 6251115 or email the November 1st renewal
info@mountaineering.ie. date to ensure that all club Paying in sterling
members are covered under The fee for those wishing to
Mountaineering Ireland’s pay in sterling will be set by
insurance policy. reference to the euro/sterling
exchange rate in September
Benefits of annually and also possibly
membership reviewed pending
The club membership fee developments in Brexit ■
increase has been necessary
in order to help To all of our members:
Mountaineering Ireland to:
thank you. We
• Deliver our Strategic
Plan’s aims for 2018-2021,
appreciate your
continued support
6 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019
Hillwalking Development Officer appointed
Mountaineering Ireland appoints Ruth Whelan to post of Hillwalking Development Officer
support all members by She climbed Kilimanjaro many Officer and is committed to
organising and coordinating years ago and has walked and working with and supporting
services, Gatherings and events climbed in the mountains of the hillwalking members of
to meet the needs of the the French, Italian and Mountaineering Ireland.
members, while supporting the Austrian Alps. Ruth is excited You can contact Ruth
development of new and about her new role as Whelan on 087 161 2990 or at
ruth@mountaineering.ie ■
existing clubs.
Hillwalking Development
In order to align Ruth’s role
with the current strategic
objectives, she will continue to
By Patrick O’Sullivan
be responsible for the above
tasks, but her role will be solely
Corrections IML 130
focused on developing It has come to our attention that we made three errors in the
At the Mountaineering Ireland
hillwalking and supporting previous issue of the Irish Mountain Log (IML 130, Summer 2019).
AGM in 2018, a motion was
hillwalking members as the Our apologies for any confusion caused. The errors were:
approved to establish a
new Hillwalking Development
Hillwalking Committee. A 1. The caption on the first photograph on page 50, in the county
Officer for Mountaineering high points article, described Slieve Foye as the County Antrim
working group was
Ireland. high point. In fact, it is the County Louth high point.
subsequently established to
Commenting on this new
develop draft terms of 2. In the list of county high points on page 51, Galtymore (918m)
position, Mountaineering
reference and an initial work should have been listed as the high point for counties
Ireland CEO Murrough
plan for the new committee, Tipperary/Limerick and not Offaly/Limerick.
McDonagh said: “I welcome
which was approved by the 3. On page 26, in the dog training article from SARDA, the
Ruth to this new and exciting
Board of Mountaineering photographs were credited to author Sheelagh O’Malley’s
collection. In fact, they were taken by Edelle Doherty ■
role. Given her experience and
Ireland.
especially her work in recent
The new Hillwalking years on the steering group for
Committee was set up in March our current Strategic Plan, on
2019. In order to best utilise
staff resources, it was agreed to
the Hillwalking Working Group
and in her role as secretary to
Crossword results
align current staffing structures the Hillwalking Committee, it
more closely to the five The winner of our Summer crossword in IML 130 was Billy Cantillon
was evident that she was the from Limerick. Billy won an MSR Elixir 2 tent worth €300.00 from our
strategic pillars in our current right person for the role of crossword sponsor, Basecamp. The solution to the crossword is shown
Strategic Plan 2018-2021. To Hillwalking Development below. Mountaineering Ireland will contact the winner to tell him how
coincide with the restructuring Officer. to arrange to collect his prize from Basecamp.
A R D E R I N S T M D
of the Talent Development “This, coupled with her vast
1 2 3 4
Officer’s role to Climbing Officer,
N A U A O A L A A A A
understanding of
it was decided to restructure Mountaineering Ireland, our 5
N A B A P A M A N A B
the Membership Development clubs, our purpose, values and 6 7 8
A I L A E A A A T O R
Officer’s role, to focus solely on vision, together with her close
supporting and developing working relationship with our 9 10
P A I N D I A N T A O
hillwalking, hillwalking clubs and members, means 11
U R N A S A M A T E A
membership and clubs. Ruth has all the credentials and
12 13
Ruth Whelan started working
R A P C A N T E R A D
experience to excel and help
for Mountaineering Ireland over drive this new role forward and 14 15
N U T A W A U A A L P
five years ago, after obtaining a help support the work of the 16 17 18
A A I N N A R A S A E
first class honours degree in new Hillwalking Committee.”
sports management and an When Ruth first made the 19 20
S A N A S A K A N A A
MSc in graduate research at the big move to Dublin in the early
K 2 P S E A S T A C K
School of Public Health and 2000s she joined a few
21 22
Population Science in UCD. colleagues to raise some
Ruth has worked on many money for charity by
projects and has coordinated completing the Four Peaks
many Gatherings, events and Challenge, which cemented her
workshops for Mountaineering love for the mountains and the
Ireland. Her role has evolved companionship, remoteness
over the years and, to date, she and tranquillity hillwalking
has had two main areas of offers.
responsibility: firstly, to increase Her main areas for hillwalking
membership of both climbers these days are around Wicklow
and hillwalkers, and secondly, to and the Comeragh Mountains.
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 7
NEWSLOG
Access & Conservation Officer Helen Lawless
paying a site visit to the Binn Shléibhe Mountain
Access Area, Clonbur, Co Galway, in 2010, the year
Comhairle na Tuaithe established pilot access
areas both here and on Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry
New mandate for Comhairle na Tuaithe
By Helen Lawless good to see the health and well-being Mountain Access Project and the
benefits of outdoor recreation reflected development of a booklet on access
Mountaineering Ireland has welcomed the in the new mandate for it. and occupiers’ liability.
announcement made in June by the “There is an opportunity now for the The rejuvenated Comhairle na Tuaithe
Minister for Rural & Community Department of Rural & Community will have responsibility for advising the
Development, Michael Ring, TD, of a new Development to adopt a leadership and Minister on a wide range of matters
mandate for Comhairle na Tuaithe (the coordination role to ensure that Ireland’s relating to the future development of
Countryside Council), the national advisory outdoor recreation sector evolves in a
Ireland’s growing outdoor recreation
body on outdoor recreation. way that is positive for participants,
sector. Comhairle na Tuaithe met again
The new mandate will reinforce and landowners and local communities, and
that is environmentally sustainable.” in July to agree a clear vision for its work
strengthen the advisory role of Comhairle
na Tuaithe in relation to the sustainable Mountaineering Ireland has been a and to develop its work programme.
development of the outdoor recreation member of Comhairle na Tuaithe since The Department of Rural &
sector in Ireland. the body was established in 2004 and Community Development is also
Speaking at the announcement, Minister has made an active contribution to the establishing an interdepartmental
Michael Ring said: “The new mandate work of the Comhairle, especially in working group on outdoor recreation as
relation to the Comhairle’s pilot part of its new structures ■
Photographs: Helen Lawless Collection (Loch Chualainn, Binn Shléubhe), Eoin Hogan Collection (photo post)
provides the Comhairle with the
opportunity to contribute to the
development of outdoor recreation in a way
which benefits rural communities, respects
the rights of landowners and allows more
Photo posts for Clare trails
people to experience the benefits of our
natural capital.
“Outdoor recreation has become
increasingly popular for many people as
a means of social engagement and of
enhancing their physical and mental
well-being.
“Outdoor recreational activity also
supports local tourism and rural economic
development. In 2014, the adventure
activity tourism sector was valued at €852
million by Fáilte Ireland; it contributed to
the direct and indirect employment of 2,125
people.”
Dr Liam Twomey was also introduced as
the new Chairperson of Comhairle na
Tuaithe. Dr Twomey brings valuable
experience to his new role, both as a former
TD and through his work in general practice.
The rejuvenation of the Comhairle follows A series of interactive photo posts has selfies in safe locations. The special
the Minister’s reflection on a 2016 review of recently been installed on walking trails marker posts will also allow walkers to
Comhairle na Tuaithe and discussions last in County Clare. Unlike traditional take photos of trail conditions and
year with Comhairle members. marker posts, these posts have send reports directly back to Eoin
Responding to the announcement, smartphone holders installed on them. Hogan.
Mountaineering Ireland Chairperson Paul The project was initiated by Eoin Finally, walkers can take scenic
Barron said: “It’s great to see Comhairle na Hogan, Clare Rural Recreation Officer. photos and upload them automatically
Tuaithe coming alive again, and especially The posts will allow walkers to take to the trails manager’s website ■
8 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019
NEWSL0G
Late evening on Cnoc na
dTobar, overlooking Cahirciveen
Three Kerry peninsulas hike completed
Aidan Ennis, who has an enchainment of the Slieve birthday with his annual pint to a campsite near Gallarus
previously written in the Irish Miskish, Caha, Shehy, of Guinness, Aidan climbed the Oratory.
Mountain Log about his Derrynasaggart, The Paps, Reeks ridge to Carrauntoohil His final day, Friday, June
separate walks on the three Mangerton and the Dunkerron and then descended Caher, 14th, saw him walking along
Kerry peninsulas, has now Mountains all the way to before crossing to Knockmoyle the peaceful green Saints
linked those hikes into one Waterville, a section of the Mountain on the Dingle Road to Ventry, where he had
grand through-hike of all three three-peninsulas enchainment peninsula via Killorglin and a morning coffee break at the
peninsulas. he calls the Great Kenmare Castlemaine. local post office and shop.
Aidan started his hike on Horseshoe. From Knockmoyle, he The last 6km were on the
Dursey Island, at the tip of the From Waterville, he hiked continued to Caherconree and Dingle Way to Dingle town
Beara peninsula, on Saturday, along the Kerry Way on a the Slieve Mish range and then and the completion of his
June 1st, 2019. His walk linked mountain-ridge line which ran hiked the entire length of the impressive, continuous
the Beara, Iveragh and Dingle over to Knocknadobar (Cnoc rest of the Dingle peninsula to 461km Three Peninsulas
peninsulas in one continuous na dTobar) above Cahirciveen. Brandon Mountain. Mountain Enchainment Hike,
461-kilometre mountain hike. He hiked the pilgrim path to From Brandon, he as he has dubbed it.
He walked into Dingle on Friday, the summit before descending descended to the col and the Congratulations to Aidan
June 14th, after fourteen days of to Kells and hiking the Arraglen Standing Stone, on this achievement. We look
hiking. Glenbeigh Horseshoe before climbing the final forward to publishing a fuller
Aidan’s hike began at the mountains and from there to mountain on the headland, account of his hike in a future
highest point on Dursey Island. the Gap of Dunloe. Masatiompan (Más an issue of the Irish Mountain
The route that he followed was After celebrating his Tiompáin). He then descended Log ■
Photographs: Aidan Ennis
His final mountain summit, Mas an Tiompáin, on Brandon headland Arriving in Dingle after completing the three peninsulas hike
10 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019River Suir in Cahir, Co Tipperary
Tipperary Suir Blueway officially opened
Tipperary section of Suir Blueway comprises 53 km of walking, cycling and watersports trails
Photographs: Robert Linsdell (River Suir in Cahir), Tipperary County Council (cyclist and walkers on Suir Blueway)
circumstances. I would like to Walkers, cyclists,
congratulate Tipperary canoeists, kayakers and
County Council, Tipperary paddleboarders can enjoy
Sports Partnerships and beautiful scenery as they
Tipperary Tourism on the follow the river for 21 km
development and delivery of along the refurbished
this collaborative project.” historic towpath from the
Tipperary County Council Suir Blueway Tipperary was Visitors can join a guided Monument Car Park in
officially launched the Suir officially opened in Clonmel tour of the world-renowned Clonmel to Sean Healy Park
Blueway Tipperary in May, by John Treacy, Chief in Carrick-on-Suir.
Cahir Castle before strolling or
after almost seven years of Executive of Sport Ireland. “On
paddling down to the Accomplished paddlers
planning and implementation. behalf of Sport Ireland, I am
romantic Swiss Cottage. The can take on the challenge of
More than €5.6m was invested delighted to be here on the
Blueway continues through the 300-metre canoe slalom
in developing this recreational banks of the River Suir to
the picturesque towns of course in Clonmel, which
resource, which will be an officially open the Suir
amenity for the local Ardfinnan and Newcastle, as was constructed in 2016 as
Blueway Tipperary,” he said on
the River Suir meanders to the part of the investment in the
project ■
community and a tourist the day. “This is a wonderful
attraction. natural amenity, which will historic town of Clonmel.
The Suir Blueway (Sli Gorm provide an excellent base for
na Siúire) runs from Cahir to outdoor activity and
Clonmel and on to Carrick-on- recreation for both the local
Suir. It has 53 km of walking, community here in Tipperary
cycling and watersports trails as well as visitors from all over
through the beautiful Ireland and overseas.
landscapes and bustling “Sport Ireland places a
heritage towns of Tipperary. particular emphasis on
Highlights include the Butler supporting activity
Trail and the new whitewater programmes, such as the Suir
canoe slalom course in Blueway Tipperary, that will
Clonmel, which is used as a continue to support active
training base for the Irish lifestyles among people of all
national squad. Cyclist and walkers on the Suir Blueway – Tipperary
backgrounds and
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 11NEWSL0G
Henry’s Cottage: new club hut in Mournes
By Vicky Ward Work done thirty-minute walk) from the Need reasons to book a
crags at Pigeon Rock, and about
Belfast Climbing Club is proud • Electricity and water
reconnected
a fifteen-minute drive from the
club visit to the Mournes?
Here are Belfast Climbing
to announce that it has been
given stewardship of a cottage • Windows replaced
Annalong Valley – two of the Club’s top ten
in an excellent location in the • Walls scraped and
repainted
premier climbing destinations in
the Mournes. It is also close to
recommendations for
places to visit near Henry’s
Mournes, just outside Atticall. some fantastic walking (see our Cottage:
This will be only the second recommendations alongside).
Mountaineering Ireland club
hut, and we look forward to
Work to be done
• Bathroom and kitchen
Right now, there isn’t a • The Mourne Wall
challenge (the start is
inviting any affiliated club to • Painting Mountaineering Ireland hut in
ten minutes’ drive from
stay soon! • Finishing Alpine bunks the Mournes. We hope that the
existence of this amazing wee
the hut)
The house belongs to local
climber and all-round nice guy
cottage may encourage some • Slieve Binnian (ten
minutes’ drive)
new clubs to venture our way
Henry McKee, who bought it in
the 1990s and put an additional
electricity, water, plenty of
fireplaces and even a stained
and try some of the treats in the • FM (VD, 4 pitches) (ten
minutes’ drive and
storey on it. However, as he area for the first time.
glass window. We have many one-hour walk-in)
hadn’t got much use out of it If you have any questions
he decided earlier this year to
ideas for the space right now
and are in the process of regarding the cottage, contact • Cove and Percy Bysshe
Caves (ten minutes’
lease it free of charge to the redecorating it and doing belfastclimbingclub@gmail.com.
If you wish to donate any drive and one-hour
Belfast Climbing Club, as long some carpentry to build
furniture or cooking equipment, walk-in)
as the club took care of it and brand-new Alpine bunks. We
used it to promote climbing. hope to have the cottage etc, we would also be keen to • The ‘bird mountains’ –
Eagle, Pigeon, Cock and
The cottage was originally ready for other clubs to stay in hear from you. We are very
called McLaughlin’s Cottage excited to start this adventure Hen – are all accessible
by the beginning of 2020.
and had a thatched roof. After and hope to be able to share from the cottage
Atticall is in the western
Henry’s renovations and our
ongoing work we will be
Mournes, below the Windy Gap updates with you all as it • Climbing in the
Annalong Valley (ten
in the Eagle Mountain area. It is progresses.
renaming it Henry’s Cottage a five-minute drive (or a One last note: thanks, Henry! ■ minutes’ drive, 30-90
(Teachín Anraí). minutes’ walk-in)
The cottage is pretty big, with
sleeping space for about fifteen
• Ice climbing at Eagle
Mountain (from cottage)
people, as well as a flat grass
space outside to camp. It has • Sport climbing at
Altnadue Quarry (twenty
Photographs: Niall McLaughlin
minutes’ drive)
AUTHOR: Vicky Ward is the
Meets Secretary for Belfast
• Climbing at Pigeon Rock
(thirty minutes’ walk or
Climbing Club and has been ten minutes’ drive, plus
involved with the club since it ten-minute walk-in)
started two years ago. She has
been a keen hillwalker and climber • Silent Valley (ten
minutes’ drive)
for many years, having grown up
near the Mourne Mountains. At work on the cottage
12 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019NEWSL0G
Path repairs planned
for Croagh Patrick
Planning application submitted for path work
and habitat restoration along pilgrim route
A planning application has Regulations.
been submitted for path work The proposed work will
and habitat restoration, to consist of aggregate- and
enable sustainable access stone-pitched paths, path
along the pilgrim route on drainage consisting of culverts,
Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo. cross-drains and water-bars,
This follows a successful trial fencing for managing access Trial path work on Croagh Patrick pilgrim route
in October 2018 to identify a during construction work,
methodology for path together with habitat Company, Mountaineering but is also considering other
construction using the small restoration of eroded areas. Ireland, Mayo Mountain issues related to visitor
blocks of stone found on the The Croagh Patrick management at Croagh Patrick.
Rescue Team, Croagh Patrick
steep summit cone. Stakeholders Group is The Croagh Patrick plans can
Archaeological Society and the
The application for planning comprised of a broad be viewed in the Murrisk
consent has been submitted spectrum of interested parties, tourism and adventure
Development Association café
by the Croagh Patrick including mountain sectors. in the car park at Murrisk; in
Stakeholders Group in shareholders, the Catholic The Stakeholders Group, Mayo County Council’s offices in
partnership with Mayo County Church, Murrisk community, which was formed in 2015, has Westport and Castlebar; and
Council under Part 8 of the Mayo County Council, South prioritised efforts to address online at
Planning & Development West Mayo Development the erosion on Croagh Patrick www.mayococo.ie/en/Planning ■
New advice for visitors to Cuilcagh
Environmental awareness day to be held at Cuilcagh Mountain on October 12th
In response to continued and the stile, and so as not to
erosion from high visitor encourage others onto the
numbers in the area at the top fragile summit plateau.
of the Cuilcagh boardwalk, and The current platform was
between there and the created as a short-term
summit plateau, plans are measure, and a redesign of this
being put in place to manage endpoint or destination area is
visitor activity in a way that currently being investigated.
minimises further damage. Line definition and
Visitors to the boardwalk (on conservation work is also
the County Fermanagh-side planned for the summit
approach to Cuilcagh plateau. However, this won’t be
Mountain) are kindly asked to implemented until next year.
keep to the designated path Mountaineering Ireland is
and to remain within the planning an environmental
confines of the viewing awareness day at Cuilcagh
platform at the top of the Mountain, to take place on
boardwalk. Saturday, October 12th, in Trampled peat at top of Cuilcagh boardwalk
Mountaineering Ireland is conjunction with the CANN
Photographs: Helen Lawless
asking hillwalkers who want to project.* This event is aimed
primarily at Club current situation, as well as
visit the summit of Cuilcagh to Environmental Officers, but is an opportunity to learn
take other routes on the * The CANN Project is a cross- open to other members about the special features of
mountain and to avoiding border environmental project, which
is working to preserve priority
interested in understanding Cuilcagh’s natural
using the Cuilcagh boardwalk, habitats and species at a number of Cuilcagh’s complex story. environment. Places are
to prevent further sites across Ireland, Northern Ireland This study visit will provide limited; so if interested,
and Scotland, including at Cuilcagh
environmental damage an insight into the sequence of please email
helen@mountaineering.ie ■
Mountain. CANN is supported by
between the viewing platform the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme. events that has led to the
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 13NEWSLOG
Bags of litter collected by Pure
Mile volunteers as part of the
Pure Project initiative in the
Dublin and Wicklow Mountains
Irish project in contention for UIAA award
By Patrick O’Sullivan ■ Biosphere Expeditions trees, wildlife, social and cultural heritage
Mountain protection worldwide through and the history and folklore of the area.
This is the seventh year citizen science and volunteering. Operates The Pure Mile is a perfect opportunity
that the UIAA has run worldwide with mountain projects in for communities and groups who want to
a competition for its Kyrgyzstan, Romania, South Africa, Spain, improve and enhance the areas they live
Mountain Protection Russia, Oman, Poland in. A large number of communities go the
Award. The nominees ■ Gandaki Urja extra mile by repairing and painting old
this year are twelve Converting organic waste to compressed traditional gates, cleaning up farmlands
mountain environ- biogas and organic fertilizer, Nepal and entrances, erecting bat and bird
■ PSD Nepal
mental projects from boxes, trimming hedges (outside of the
around the world. bird-nesting season) and much more.
PSD Nepal plastics upcycling and recycling
These projects are supported or run by In Pure Miles where very little physical
in Langtang National Park, Rasuwa, Nepal.
UIAA member associations or by for-profit management is required, groups can focus
or non-profit organisations. Most are on local research or on initiatives to
ongoing and all have a commitment to ■ The Pure (Protecting Uplands & Rural increase awareness and appreciation of
protecting the mountain environment and Environments) Project is an their chosen Mile among the wider
engaging climbers and mountaineers as environmental project established in the community.
part of that process. Wicklow and Dublin uplands to combat In supporting the nomination of the
This year’s nominees include one Irish the increasing illegal dumping and fly- Pure Project for the UIAA Mountain
candidate, the PURE Project. The other tipping there. It was officially launched in Protection Award, Mountaineering Ireland
nominees are: September 2006. Illegal dumping in the said that the Pure Mile awards have been
■ University of Colorado
landscape is a cause for serious concern in extremely successful in raising
Ireland and a growing problem for many environmental awareness and building
Sustainable Waste Management in the
communities. Dumping is illegal, unsightly community pride across the Wicklow and
Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
and unnecessary, and causes serious
■ Clean Climber
Dublin Mountains. The achievement of the
problems to habitats, species and human Pure Project in greatly reducing litter in
Clean Climber, worldwide health. It pollutes our watercourses,
■ Fundacion Acceso Andino
that area is largely due to the awareness,
damages soil nutrients, encroaches on pride and local action that has been
Sustainable Andes, Ecuador natural habitats, kills insects and animals stimulated by the Pure Mile initiative.
■ High Altitude Mountain Cleaners and is a threat to both the people who live The winner of the 2019 Mountain
Ama-Dablam 2020, Nepal in the area and recreational users. Protection Award will be announced at the
■ Protect Our Winters Switzerland
The Pure Mile is an environmental UIAA General Assembly in Cyprus on
Towards climate-neutral mountaineering,
initiative of the Pure Project which aims to November 2nd ■
foster a greater appreciation and
Switzerland
■ Swiss Alpine Club
Photograph: Patrick O’Sullivan
awareness of our country roadscapes and
mountains by rewarding and
Alpine Learning project weeks, Switzerland acknowledging community and group
■ Mujer Montaña efforts. The competition encourages
Construyendo Vidas 2019 Bolivia, Bolivia communities and groups living in rural
■ Alpine Club of Iran areas to adopt a mile (or more) stretch of
Mountain Sports Centre with the approach road and upland. The objective is to keep
of Environmental Sustainability by Passive these areas litter-free and to research
Solar Energy, Iran information about the local wild flowers,
14 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019The Bossons Glacier in the Chamonix
Valley in the 1990s, left, and in 2019,
right. The Bossons Glacier is one of the
larger glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif
in the Alps. It is fed from the icefields
lying on the northern side of Mont
Blanc and descends down close to the
Aiguille du Midi, ending on the southern
side of the Arve valley, close to the
town of Chamonix. It has the largest
altitudinal drop of all the Alpine
glaciers in Europe, and formerly
extended much further down the
valley than it does today. In the 17th
century, the Bossons Glacier extended
right down into Chamonix, but now it is
only approximately 7.5 km long.
‘Protect Our Winters’ campaign grows
By Graeme Glennon and equipping communities In the UK, we are an official ■ TRAVEL
to take positive action on partner of the Kendal Avoid flying. Take the train or
Climate change is one of the climate change. Mountain Film Festival, which drive, when possible, for
biggest threats facing POW UK & IRL engages attracted 30,000 visitors in longer journeys. For shorter
humanity. It is having a global people and organisations 2018. We are also the main journeys, use your bike, take
impact and is already through their outdoors charity partner of the public transport or just simply
affecting many outdoor livelihoods and recreational Telegraph Ski and Snowboard walk. If you have to fly or drive,
activities. activities, to address climate Show, which is held at the then try to offset your carbon
Members of the Irish change. We educate them on end of October and attracts emissions.
outdoor recreation the risks of climate change over 20,000 visitors.
community spend their free and support them to take Although the reality of ■ KIT
time in natural environments, effective action. climate change is stark, there Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle
where they can clearly see the Whilst POW in the US has have been some major areas whenever you can. Repair
impact of climate change. traditionally been largely of progress recently – for rather than replace. When you
However, many members of focused on skiers and example, a number of banks do replace, give your old kit
this community, at both an snowboarders, it is now have announced they will away or sell it. Don’t let it
individual and a corporate engaging with other sports stop funding high-carbon gather dust in the wardrobe.
level, are unsure about what with POW Climb (see activities; electric vehicles are
■ DIET
action they can take to https://protectourwinters.or on the up; China is rapidly
mitigate this climate change. g/pow-climb). In the UK and electrifying its bus fleet; and Try to cut down on meat, and
Protect Our Winters believes Ireland, we also want to be
Ireland has become the first shop locally, whenever you can.
that, by getting this broader than just skiers and
country in the world to divest You will get the added
community to act, we can snowboarders and are
away from fossil fuels. There is satisfaction of knowing that
drive significant and effective working to engage the wider
still so much more to do! your food has been grown
climate action. outdoor community. In the
Finally, pause and locally and that you are
Protect Our Winters (POW) UK, Matt Helliker is an
remember you are part of supporting the community.
UK & IRL exists to accelerate ambassador for POW Climb,
something bigger. When you
■ RESPECT
the transition to a carbon- whilst in the US we are
do something, always
neutral society by inspiring backed by legendary
consider your options and Respect the trails and crags
climbers and mountaineers
such as Tommy Caldwell. take the environmentally less you use. Try to leave them as
Over the past twelve damaging option in you found them or, even
AUTHOR: Graeme Glennon is
the Partner Coordinator of months, with the help of the everything you do. better, try to make them
Some examples of this better than you found them
Photographs: Protect Our Winters UK
POW UK & IRL
■
Patagonia store in Dublin, we
have run various fundraising include:
campaigns and also
presented a movie première.
Through our strong Follow POW UK & IRL
relationship with Patagonia, Website: https://protectourwinters.uk/join-us
we will be hosting more Instagram: @uk_pow
events later this year. Facebook: Protect Our Winters UK
(For more info on this, keep Twitter: @uk_protect
an eye on the Patagonia
Dublin Facebook page).
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 15NEWSL0G
Women in Sport Co-ordinator post advertised
Vacancy in Mountaineering Ireland for Women in Sport Co-ordinator
By Murrough McDonagh further the agenda of gender equality in relationships and providing expertise
sport. and support to the current structures in
Mountaineering Ireland is the governing Sport Ireland has now renewed its the area of women’s hillwalking and
body for hillwalking and climbing commitment to women in sport through climbing.
throughout the island of Ireland, the development of a Women in Sport More information about this post can
representing the interests of over 12,500 policy. This policy will serve as a guide for be found on the Mountaineering Ireland
members. The future of Irish Sport Ireland’s future work and website, www.mountaineering.ie.
mountaineering is incredibly bright given investment in the area.
the steady growth in participation and the
How to apply
increase in affiliated clubs in recent years. Role and purpose of Women in To apply for this post, a letter of
The post of Mountaineering Ireland – Sport Co-ordinator position
Women in Sport Co-ordinator is funded application and full CV should be sent by
Mountaineering Ireland is committed to
by Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport increasing women’s sustained email to jobs@mountaineering.ie
initiative. involvement in hillwalking and climbing (reference: Mountaineering Ireland –
The Women in Sport initiative is central as coaches, volunteers, club members, Women in Sport Co-ordinator).
to the work of Sport Ireland. Since 2005, officials, leaders and participants, from all Interviews will be held during the
the Sport Ireland Women in Sport levels. The purpose of the role is to working week starting October 7th, 2019.
programme has funded a wide range of project-manage and ensure the The closing date for applications is
initiatives delivered by National Governing implementation of current and future Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019, at
Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to programmes, while developing strong 5.00pm ■
Autumn Gathering in
the Comeraghs
October 18-20th, 2019
Kilmacthomas Walking Club members
are celebrating their club’s fifteenth
anniversary this year and are hosting the
Mountaineering Ireland Autumn
Gathering. They are keen to show off the
beauty of their home turf, the Comeraghs, and the joys of walking
there. Details of this year’s Autumn Gathering are as follows:
Photograph: Con Murphy
Host club Kilmacthomas Walking Club
Date October 18-20th, 2019
Location The Comeraghs, Co Waterford
Base The Park Hotel, Dungarvan
Registration is still possible through the website, Sgilloge Lough in the Comeraghs, Co Waterford
www.mountaineering.ie.
Following on from the success of last year’s club
Club support meetings support meetings, when we visited Sligo, Bray,
Kerry and Derry, this year we will visit Mallow,
Newry, Dublin and Galway. The agenda will be
Date County Venue
similar to last year’s.
25th September Cork Hibernian Hotel, Mallow
Ruth Whelan (Hillwalking Development Officer),
3rd October Down Mourne Country Hotel, Newry
Helen Lawless (Access & Conservation Officer) and
21st November Dublin National Sports Campus, Irish Sport HQ,
Jane Carney (Training Officer) from Mountaineering
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Ireland will participate, giving clubs in each region
27th November Galway Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Road, Galway
the opportunity to raise questions and club-related
topics with these officers. The meetings will also
Arrive for refreshments: from 7.00pm. Meeting time: 7.30-9.30pm.
allow clubs to network with other clubs in their
region, to share ideas and information ■
16 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019SPONSORED
Wilderness Lodge Glenmalure Valley viewed from the Zig-zags
Glenmalure adventures
With the bonus of the efforts many features of glacial the Wilderness Lodge just self-guided walks in the
of the residents to clean up erosion, such as the hanging down the road has started valley. He is particularly
Photographs: Patrick O’Sullivan (the lodge), Shever (valley view)
their valley through their Pure valley – Fraughan Rock Glen providing accommodation. interested in hosting
Mile, the Glenmalure Valley in – at the top of the valley The apartments are groups from hiking clubs
Wicklow National Park, and two corrie lakes, well-provided for or other organisations,
Ireland’s longest glacial valley, Kelly’s Lough and self-catering and offering to organise hiking
is one of the nicest places to Art’s Lough. they serve as a breaks for them in this
be on a sunny autumn day. High above great base for
lovely valley.
The Wicklow Way crosses the end of exploring the
Depending on the group,
the valley, near the the valley is valley or even
the walks can be of
Glenmalure Lodge, working Lugnaquilla, Glendalough.
a Munro, the The owner, different degrees of
its way over to Glendalough,
and there are plenty of other highest Frank Quinn, difficulty to suit any levels
walks that can be enjoyed. mountain in an adventurer of experience and fitness.
The valley is also less Leinster and, at and explorer in his Maps and walking poles
crowded than its neighbour, 925m (3035ft), the own right, has come can be provided. The
Glendalough, being generally highest mountain in to roost in Glenmalure. Wilderness Lodge is
less well-known. Ireland outside of Kerry. From a base in the suitable for groups of up
Glenmalure is a classic In recent times, in addition Wilderness Lodge, he is to twenty people (see
U-shaped valley. It displays to the Glenmalure Lodge, offering guided and advert, page 41) ■
Sir Chris Bonington to deliver Lynam Lecture
Date: Wednesday, December 18th, 2019, at 7.30pm
Venue: Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
started climbing at the age of Karakoram, with Doug Scott in generations of Irish
16 in 1951. It has been his 1978. He still has the passion mountaineers.
passion ever since. He made for the mountains that he had Since it was inaugurated, the
the first British ascent of the at the beginning. Mountaineering Ireland Lynam
North Wall of the Eiger and led The Mountaineering Ireland Lecture has been delivered
the expedition that made the Lynam Lecture was annually by leading national
first ascent of the South Face inaugurated in 2011 in memory and international mountaineers.
of Annapurna, the biggest and of Joss Lynam, one of Ireland's The Mountaineering Ireland
most difficult climb in the best-known mountaineers, in Lynam Lecture 2019 will take
Himalayas at the time. recognition of his enormous place in the Chartered
Sir Chris went on to lead the achievements in hillwalking, Accountants Ireland Lecture
Mountaineering Ireland is successful expedition that climbing and mountaineering Hall, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin
delighted to announce that Sir made the first ascent of the in Ireland and overseas over 2, on Wednesday, December
Chris Bonington will deliver south-west face of Everest in some sixty years. During his 18th, 2019. Refreshments will be
this year’s Mountaineering 1975, and then reached the lifetime, Joss initiated available from 7.00pm with the
Ireland Lynam Lecture. summit of Everest in 1985 with numerous developments in lecture commencing at 7.30pm.
Sir Chris, Britain’s best- a Norwegian expedition. His these areas of our sport in Tickets are now available
known mountaineer, writer, greatest epic was the first Ireland and he was the through the website,
photographer and lecturer, ascent of the Ogre, in the inspiration for a number of www.mountaineering.ie ■
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 17NEWSLOG Guests of honour at Nepal Ireland Day in Farmleigh House (from
right): Cllr Mary Seery-Kearney; Sean Crowe, TD; Deputy Chief of
Mission at the Embassy of Nepal, London, Mr Sharad Raj Aran;
Everest Marathon runner, Paul Maguire; and Vincent Barry,
Managing Director of ICD Business School.
Nepal Ireland Day celebrated in style
The event comprised a delightful Nepalese cultural programme of music and dance
By Patrick O’Sullivan After the opening speeches, working to strengthen Nepal from September 8-12th,
the event comprised a relations between Nepal and visiting a hospital supported
The Embassy of Nepal in delightful Nepalese cultural Ireland. by an Irish NGO, and the Ceann
London, Nepal Ireland Society programme of music and Representing Councillor Comhairle paid a courtesy call
and various Nepalese dances. There was a colourful Mark Ward, Mayor of South to President Bidya Devi
organisations in Ireland, with Nepalese handicrafts stall, Dublin County Council, Bhandari to discuss relations
support from South Dublin stalls of Irish NGOs who work Councillor Mary Seery- between the two countries.
County Council, Dublin City in Nepal, a Visit Nepal 2020 Kearney said she had studied The Nepal Ireland Society
Council and ICD Business Europe lottery stall, and a Nepal’s constitution during her has been organising Nepal
College, jointly organised this photo exhibition on flat-screen days as a law student and that Ireland Day annually in
year’s Nepal Ireland Day on TV sets of photographs taken she felt honoured to be able to Farmleigh House since 2013
by Irish tourists who visited participate in this celebration with support from the Office
of Public Works ■
September 8th, 2019, at
Nepal in the last year. of Nepal’s culture in Dublin.
Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park,
Nepal Ireland Day is the The President of the
Dublin. The weather was
biggest Nepalese event in Nepal Ireland Society,
excellent on the day and the
Ireland. It commemorates the Mr Deepesh Man
event was a huge success.
ever-growing friendship Shakya, welcomed
and links between Nepal everyone and
and Ireland. announced that the
In his keynote speech, links between the two
the Deputy Chief of countries had taken a
Mission at the Embassy of significant step forward
Nepal, London, Mr Sharad with the arrival that
Raj Aran, said the very day in Kathmandu,
celebration of Nepal Nepal, of an Irish
Ireland Day highlighted the delegation from the
ever-growing links Ireland Nepal
between Nepal and Parliamentary
Ireland. He requested Friendship Group led by
attendees to visit Nepal in the Ceann Comhairle,
the coming year to help Seán Ó Fearghaíl, TD,
Photographs: Patrick O’Sullivan
make the Visit Nepal 2020 together with the
campaign a success. Convener of the Ireland
Also speaking at the Nepal Parliamentary
opening ceremony, Sean Friendship Group,
Crowe, TD, a member of Maureen O’Sullivan, TD,
the Ireland Nepal and Senator Catherine
Parliamentary Friendship Noone.
Group, vowed to continue The delegation visited
18 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2019CLIMBING WALL SEMINAR – October 8-9th, 2019
A Climbing Wall Seminar is being organised by Mountaineering Ireland in association with Petzl and Lyon Equipment.
The seminar is aimed at anyone who has an interest in climbing walls, including owners, managers, coaches, instructors,
route-setters, technical advisors, etc.
The seminar will take place on October 8th and 9th in Blanchardstown, Dublin. For full details and to book a place, please
go to the Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie.
Restrictions proposed on numbers attempting Everest
By Patrick O’Sullivan condolences to the bereaved, strongly
believes that access management, climber
Following a disastrous pre-monsoon season experience, training and self-responsibility
on Everest (8,848m) this year, in which are amongst the key topics to be addressed
eleven climbers lost their lives, new rules on Everest.
have been proposed to control the number The Nepali government issued 381
of people attempting to climb the mountain climbing permits for the pre-monsoon
from the Nepalese side. Eight of the world’s season on Everest this year. The new
8,000m peaks are in Nepal, but Everest has regulations proposed would significantly
always attracted the most attention, as the reduce the number of permits being issued.
highest summit on Earth. A panel, made up of government officials,
The eleven deaths, nine of which were on climbers and agencies representing the Mount Everest from Kalapatthar
the Nepal side and two on the Tibet side, climbing community, was set up by the
sadly included two Irish climbers, Shay government after it was criticised for
Lawless and Kevin Hynes (see IML 130, page allowing anyone who paid the peak fee of accompanied by a trained Nepalese guide.
66). This was the fourth most deadly $11,000 (€10,000) to attempt to climb There are also proposals to further ensure
climbing season on Everest in history. Everest. Some guiding companies have been the self-sufficiency of climbers by
The deaths were put down to crowding warning about the dangers of overcrowding preventing people with certain disabilities
and inexperience, resulting in calls from and inexperience on Everest for a long time.
guides and climbers to limit the numbers from attempting the mountain.
Under the proposed new regulations,
attempting the peak and to ensure that The Ministry of Tourism will bring the
climbers wanting to attempt Everest will now
guiding companies and climbers have proposed new regulations to the Federal
have to provide proof that they have climbed
sufficient previous experience to reasonably Parliament of Nepal for approval in time
at least one 6,500m peak before. Expedition
attempt the climb. companies would also have to have had at for the pre-monsoon climbing season
Photograph: Pavel Novak
The calls were reinforced by photos of least three years’ experience in organising next year. However, given the likely
climbers queuing on the summit ridge, other high-altitude climbs before guiding on economic effects of limiting the number
waiting for their turn to stand on the highest Everest, and they would have to charge each of climbers on Everest on the mountain
point on Earth, all the time while their climber at least $35,000. communities, the guiding companies and
precious supplementary oxygen supplies Climbers would also be required to submit the government, there is some concern in
were being used up. a certificate of good health and physical the international community that they
Certainly, the UIAA, while offering fitness, as at present, and to be won’t be approved ■
Autumn 2019 Irish Mountain Log 19You can also read
