Twelve Bens, Connemara

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Twelve Bens, Connemara No 88 Winter 2008 ISSN 0790 8008 €3.20 (£2.20) THE MAGAZINE FOR WALKERS AND CLIMBERS IN IRELAND www.mountaineering.ie www.berghaus.com Lead. Don’t follow. Wherever you’re going, the Our Temperance Jacket is our lightest 3 Layer chances are Berghaus has been GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL and features tried there and we understand just and tested innovations including; our full volume and helmet compatible Raptor hood, what you need. Inspired by and core venting to help regulate your designed with input from our temperature, and articulated sleeves sponsored athletes we know for optimum movement whilst climbing. what’s important. BERGHAUS and are registered trade marks of Berghaus Limited. ©Berghaus Limited 2008. GORE-TEX® GORE® and PACLITE® are registered trade marks of W.L. Gore and Associates. On the Gleann Chochán horseshoe in the Twelve Bens, Connemara. membership Photo: Adrian Hendroff. The next five years The Strategic Development Plan 2009-2013 he five-year Strategy of the The MCI intends to capitalise on these dependent on your active engagement. Mountaineering Council of achievements through the appointment The MCI will continue to work in TIreland for 2009-2013 is of a Hillwalking Development Officer with partnership with its members and all included as an insert in this issue of a core focus on developing a range of relevant bodies to promote the Mountain Log. It is ambitious and supports for our club and individual mountaineering in Ireland. has been informed by extensive members whose primary interest is consultation with the membership, hillwalking. This will include increased If you have opinions on the new Strategy partners and key stakeholders. I hope efforts to make the services that the MCI or would like to become involved in its that you will find time to read it and provides of more direct relevance to more implementation, then I would urge you to be able to agree with the strategies members. come along to our AGM which will be listed in the programmes for action. held on Saturday 21st February 2009 at The continued implementation of the the scenically located Knockree Youth Mountaineering in Ireland includes MCI’s environmental policy and support Hostel, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow (see page rambling, hillwalking, bouldering, rock for the work of Leave No Trace will raise 7 for more information). This is your climbing and alpinism. This Strategy sets awareness and appreciation of how we opportunity to have an input into out a clear vision for the future growth can use the uplands of Ireland in a decision-making within the organisation. and promotion of these activities, with a respectful and sustainable manner. major focus on support to members and The MCI Board and staff are committed clubs primarily engaging in hillwalking, At all times the Strategy emphasises how to fully implementing the work set out in together with enhanced support for youth mountaineering activities can contribute this Strategy for the next five years. With participation in our sport. to our quality of life. the continued support of all our members, funding partners and The Strategy will build on the real The Strategy places tremendous stakeholders, I have no doubt that the achievements of the last five years under demands on the MCI. It sets targets MCI will meet the challenges that lie the previous strategic plan. These include which will grow the membership base of ahead. the establishment of our offices at Sport the MCI. This will help place the HQ, the development of a new organisation on a sound financial footing. Ruairí Ó Conchúir organisational structure and the The MCI will continue to place volunteers Chairperson recruitment of highly motivated and at the core of its work. This is your professional staff, including the MCI’s first organisation and its future development ever Chief Officer. is, as has always been the case, www.mountaineering.ie Irish Mountain Log - Winter 2008 3 contents WELCOME TO... ISSUE 88 The Irish Mountain Log is the membership magazine of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI). The MCI promotes the interests of hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland. Mountaineering Council of Ireland Sport HQ, 13 Joyce Way Park West Business Park Dublin 12, Ireland Tel: (+353 1) 625 1115 Fax: (+353 1) 625 1116 [email protected] www.mountaineering.ie Hot Rock Climbing Wall Tollymore Mountain Centre Bryansford, Newcastle County Down BT33 0PT Tel: (+44 28) 4372 5354 [email protected] Features Editor: Patrick O’Sullivan 22 Christmas Quiz Tel: (+353 1) 837 8166 (pm, wknds) €1,500 in prizes to be won. [email protected] Features Editor: Peter O’Neill [email protected] 24 MCI Summer Alpine Meet Literary Editor: Joss Lynam Tel: (+353 1) 288 4672 (pm) [email protected] 26 Acquiring mountain skills Advertising: MCI Office Eimear Daly learns to be [email protected] self-reliant. Production: Cóilín MacLochlainn [email protected] Printing: Kilkenny People Printing 28 Ag siúl i La Gomera Tel (+353 5677) 63366 Tugann Seán Ó Fearghail cuairt The Irish Mountain Log is published by ar na hOileáin Chanáracha. the Mountaineering Council of Ireland four times a year – in March, June, September, December. The material 32 Jewels of Connemara published in the Log by the voluntary Adrian Hendroff walks in the editorial team and contributors must not be taken as official MCI policy unless Twelve Bens and the Maamturks. specifically stated. Copy deadline for the Spring 2009 37 The Coomloughra issue of the Irish Mountain Log is Horseshoe Saturday, February 14th, 2009. Lee Campbell takes on Caher, PARTICIPATION AND RISK Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh. Readers of the Irish Mountain Log are reminded that hillwalking and climbing are activities with a danger of personal 40 Journey to the South Pole injury or death. Participants in these Kevin Dempsey returns to activities should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible Antarctica to walk in the footsteps for their own actions and involvement. of Amundsen and Scott. The MCI publishes and promotes safety and good practice advice and through Bord Oiliúnt Sléibhe (BOS, The Irish 45 A Moroccan winter ascent Mountain Training Board) administers a Deirdre McCarthy climbs North range of training programmes for walkers and climbers. Africa’s highest peak Regulars 6 News 14 IMRA news 48 Training news 52 Access & Conservation news 54 Books 60 The last word 4 Irish Mountain Log - Winter 2008 www.mountaineering.ie editorial Be prepared “Only the Spirits of the Air know what awaits me behind the mountains, but still I travel on.” – Eskimo proverb quoted by Kurt Diemberger in Spirits of the Air. e-reading this excellent book by Diemberger recently, I was R struck by the aptness of the proverb which gives the book its name. At one level, it is a reflection on life’s uncertainties and how we have to continue on our journey despite those uncertainties. However, it is also very appropriate when applied to real mountains. There is a great deal of uncertainty in our chosen sport and we must try to make it as safe as possible by reducing that uncertainty and controlling the risks as much as we can. One way of doing this is to ensure that we are as well prepared as possible and have suitable experience to tackle our objective. In this issue, MCI’s Training Officer, Tim Orr, continues his excellent series about the various mountain training programmes that are available in Ireland. These are currently being reviewed and strengthened by the training boards, Bord Oiliúint Sléibhe (BOS) and Mountain Leader Training Northern Ireland (MLTNI). There is also information about the seasonal meets being organised by the MCI in the coming year so that members can engage in more informal training, learning from others, as well as participating in the more formal courses on offer. As we get to the end of the MCI year, apart from the meets being organised in the coming year, we also have the AGM to look forward to. This year’s AGM will be particularly important as the MCI is about to embark on the new five-year strategy which was recently approved at an EGM during the Autumn Meet in Macroom and in which the focus will be on trying to ensure that the National Governing Body for our sport remains relevant to the membership while enhancing its support for youth participation, providing safe ways into the sport for future generations of hillwalkers and climbers. If you have any opinions on how that should be done, then you should come along to the AGM, which will be held in Glencree on Saturday, February 21st 2009 at the Knockree An Óige Hostel. On behalf of the Editorial Team, the MCI’s staff and the Board of Directors, I would like to wish readers of the Irish Mountain Log a happy and enjoyable Christmas period and that the ‘Spirits of the Air’ will look after you in the hills in the coming year. Patrick O’Sullivan Editor, Irish Mountain Log ON THE COVER: Members of the “Last Degree” Changes in the Editorial Team expedition team on their way to the geographic South Rita Connell, News Editor, and Eoin Reilly, Pictures Editor, have both decided Pole in December 2007 with a sun parahelion overhead to stand down from their voluntary posts on the Editorial Team. I would like in the night sky. Photo: Kevin Dempsey. to thank them both very much for the significant contributions they have made to the Irish Mountain Log over the past few years and wish them well in the THIS PAGE: On the Caher ridge heading towards future. Carrauntoohil, McGillicuddy’s Reeks, Co Kerry.
Recommended publications
  • Torridon Winter Mountaineering
    Torridon Winter Mountaineering You may have already been to one of the regular winter destinations of Glencoe, Ben Nevis or the Cairngorms but travel North a couple more hours and you will enter The North West Highlands and some of the most spectacular mountain peaks anywhere in the UK. If you enjoy remote wild, rugged peaks then this is the place for you...we are likely to have them to ourselves. This week of Winter Mountaineering will be based around Torridon on grade 1-III routes combining utterly mesmerising photographic opportunities with sensational ridges and fantastic winter gullies. The mountains here are unique and totally different to other areas of the UK. Google the main peaks An Teallach, Beinn Alligan and Liathach and you will be impressed! Each peak is an expedition ideal for those aspiring to climbing a 6-7000m Peak, big days on big mountains requiring a high level of fitness. Participation Statement Adventure Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 3 *** Hotel/Lodge To enjoy this week, you need to have previous 5***** Boutique Hotel experience of winter mountaineering to at least Accommodation will be booked from the night of Scottish Grade II (Alpine PD+/AD) and have a your arrival (Day 1) with instruction starting the high level of fitness to enjoy multiple 8-10hr days.
    [Show full text]
  • Health and Wellbeing Brochure
    HEALTH & WELLBEING IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE BENMORE ESTATE | ISLE OF MULL | SCOTLAND "Meet me where the sky touches the sea. In the waves we will find our change of direction and just behind the clouds awaits a limitless blue sky" Sometimes, the only way to find yourself is to get completely lost in the wilderness. MIND & BODY Find a calmer sense of self and being in the wilderness of Scotland. Relax, unwind and rejuvenate in unspoilt and dramatic scenery. Take some time to heal your mind and relax your body, fully immersed in spectacular surroundings. SPIRIT & ADVENTURE Re-awaken your sense of adventure. Take to the seas and discover uninhabited islands, explore hidden beaches, and caves. Find a renewed sense of resilence and strength on a mountain top with endless views. Reconnect with nature. THE HIGHLIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE LUXURY GUIDED BREAK DATE DURATION LOCATION PRICE Sunday 9th May - 5 full days, 6 nights Isle of Mull, Scotland £1,295 pp Saturday 15th May 2021 PRIVATE ISLAND ALL MEALS & EXPERT TUTION & ALL TRIPS AND LUXURY EXPLORATION DRINKS GUIDANCE EXCURSIONS ACCOMMODATION Island Exploration Luxury Accommodation Led by Expert Guides Dramatic Landscapes Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Scotland TRIP ITINERARY An illustrative itinerary, which is subject to change, to ensure full advantage is taken for the weather conditions for each day. Day 1 - A Warm Welcome Discover Knock House, a classic west highland sporting lodge, and your accommodation for the coming week. Explore the estate, meet your guides and the Benmore staff. Enjoy a first class meal with like minded enthusiasts in our traditional dining room, before retreating to your private bedroom to ready yourself for the coming week.
    [Show full text]
  • HO Scale Price List 2019
    GAUGEMASTER HO Scale price list 2019 Prices correct at time of going to press and are subject to change at any time Post free option is available for orders above a value of £15 to mainland UK addresses*. Non-mainland UK orders are posted at cost. Orders to non-EC destinations are VAT free. *Except orders containing one or more items above a length of 600mm and below a total order value of £25. Order conforming to this exception will be charged carriage at cost (not to exceed £4.95) Gaugemaster Controls Ltd Gaugemaster House Ford Road Arundel West Sussex BN18 0BN Tel - (01903) 884321 Fax - (01903) 884377 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Printed: 06/09/2019 KEY TO PRICE LISTS The following legends appear at the front of the Product Name for certain entries: * : New Item not yet available # : Not in production, stock available #D# : Discontinued, few remaining #P# : New Item, limited availability www.gaugemaster.com Registered in England No: 2714470. Registered Office: Gaugemaster House, Ford Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0BN. Directors: R K Taylor, D J Taylor. Bankers: Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, South Street, Chichester, West Sussex, England. Sort Code: 16-16-20 Account No: 11318851 VAT reg: 587 8089 71 1 Contents Atlas 3 Magazines/Books 38 Atlas O 5 Marklin 38 Bachmann 5 Marklin Club 42 Busch 5 Mehano 43 Cararama 8 Merten 43 Dapol 9 Model Power 43 Dapol Kits 9 Modelcraft 43 DCC Concepts 9 MRC 44 Deluxe Materials 11 myWorld 44 DM Toys 11 Noch 44 Electrotren 11 Oxford Diecast 53 Faller 12
    [Show full text]
  • MUNSTER VALES STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN November 2020
    Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2020-2025 Developing the TOURISM POTENTIAL of the Munster Vales munster vales 2 munster vales 3 Strategic Tourism Development Plan Strategic Tourism Development Plan CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction 1 Destination Context 5 Consultation Summary 19 Case Studies 29 Economic Assessment 39 Strategic Issues Summary 49 Vision, Recommendations and Action Plan 55 Appendicies 85 Munster Vales acknowledge the funding received from Tipperary Local Community Development Committee and the EU under the Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020. “The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.” Prepared by: munster vales 4 munster vales 5 Strategic Tourism Development Plan Strategic Tourism Development Plan MUNSTER VALES STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN November 2020 Prepared by: KPMG Future Analytics and Lorraine Grainger Design by: KPMG Future Analytics munster vales i munster vales ii Strategic Tourism Development Plan Strategic Tourism Development Plan The context for this strategy is discussed in Part Two. To further raise the profile of Munster Vales, enhance the This includes an overview of progress which highlights the cohesiveness of the destination, and to maximise the opportunity following achievements since the launch of Munster Vales in presented by four local authorities working in partnership, this 2017: strategy was tasked with identifying a small number of ambitious products that could be developed and led by Munster Vales ■ Acted as an umbrella destination brand
    [Show full text]
  • The Tipperary
    Walk The Tipperary 10 http://alinkto.me/mjk www.discoverireland.ie/thetipperary10 48 hours in Tipperary This is the Ireland you have been looking for – base yourself in any village or town in County Tipperary, relax with friends (and the locals) and take in all of Tipperary’s natural beauty. Make the iconic Rock of Cashel your first stop, then choose between castles and forest trails, moun- tain rambles or a pub lunch alongside lazy rivers. For ideas and Special Offers visit www.discoverireland.ie/thetipperary10 Walk The Tipperary 10 Challenge We challenge you to walk all of The Tipperary 10 (you can take as long as you like)! Guided Walks Every one of The Tipperary 10 will host an event with a guide and an invitation to join us for refreshments afterwards. Visit us on-line to find out these dates for your diary. For details contact John at 087 0556465. Accommodation Choose from B&Bs, Guest Houses, Hotels, Self-Catering, Youth Hostels & Camp Sites. No matter what kind of accommodation you’re after, we have just the place for you to stay while you explore our beautiful county. Visit us on line to choose and book your favourite location. Golden to the Rock of Cashel Rock of Cashel 1 Photo: Rock of Cashel by Brendan Fennssey Walk Information 1 Golden to the Rock of Cashel Distance of walk: 10km Walk Type: Linear walk Time: 2 - 2.5 hours Level of walk: Easy Start: At the Bridge in Golden Trail End (Grid: S 075 409 OS map no. 66) Cashel Finish: At the Rock of Cashel (Grid: S 012 384 OS map no.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Trail of Ireland's Greenway Routes
    GREENWAY DEVELOPMENTS The Great Western Greenway – a 42km traffic-free cycling and walking trail – follows the route of the Westport to Achill railway, which closed in 1937. ON THE TRAIL OF IRELAND’S GREENWAY ROUTES There’s been a growing appetite by overseas visitors and locals alike to enjoy Ireland’s scenic walking and cycling routes, since Mayo County Council first opened the Great Western Greenway in 2010. Deirdre O’Flynn gives a rundown on current and upcoming projects under the Greenways Development Strategy to hit the trails north and south. reenways are trails designed for shared use by leisure length, and regional spread of off-road walking and cycling tracks walkers and cyclists and, according to Fáilte Ireland, across the country. The long-term strategy falls under Project “are one of the biggest success stories of Irish tourism Ireland 2040, under which many councils applied for greenways that have brought transformative benefits to local funding. Gcommunities”. Three million overseas tourists engaged in hiking and MAYO FIRST TO MAKE ITS MARK! cross country walking and cycling in 2018 alone, and with an They follow on from Mayo County Council’s successful increasing popularity in Irish trails and walkways, the country’s involvement in developing the Great Western Greenway in 2010, local authorities, government and tourism bodies have been followed by Waterford County and City Council’s Waterford quick to respond. Greenway, which first opened to the public in 2017. The Government responded in 2018 with a €53m Greenways Indeed, an estimated quarter of a million people use the Great Development Strategy for 2019 to 2021, to increase the number, Western Greenway annually, while up to 280,000 people visited 56 GREENWAY DEVELOPMENTS GREENWAY DEVELOPMENTS The 46km Waterford Greenway links Waterford City and Dungarvan along the old Waterford to Mallow railway line.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide 12 Wild Atlantic
    number Gary France Motorcycling Guides 12 THE TOP TEN PLACES TO RIDE ON A TOUR OF THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY IN IRELAND www.tour1.co.uk 1. Doolough Pass The pass is on the R335 road, between Cregganbaun and Delphi, in County Mayo. It Introduction is a good riding road set between scenic mountains and beside a stunning lake. The Wild Atlantic Way is the coast road Doolough Pass is shown on the cover of this on the west coast of Ireland and what a guide. stunning place it is to ride! As it has become more popular in recent years, I have often been asked what are the best parts of the road to ride. Here are my top ten, in order of north to south. Other people may have other thoughts about places that are equally as good, but these are my favourites that I have ridden and seen for myself. 2. Sky Road, Clifden Immediately to the west of Clifden in County Gary France. Galway is Sky Road which runs around a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Sky Road route takes you up among the hills overlooking Clifden Bay and its offshore islands, Inishturk and Turbot. Be sure to ride around the whole Sky Road loop and I have found clockwise to be the best direction. www.tour1.co.uk 1 3. The Connemara 5. Connor Pass The Connemara is a district on the west coast Connor Pass runs diagonally across the Dingle of Ireland which runs broadly from Killary Peninsula, in County Kerry.
    [Show full text]
  • Chantel Mcgregor at the Cluny Hardwick Live Leeds
    WWW.NEVOLUME.CO.UK LINDISFARNE FESTIVAL 2017 WE’RE LISTENING! The Libertines At Times Square Hardwick Live ISSUE #25 Hartlepool Waterfront Festival Leeds Festival AUG 2017 FOLLOW We speak to Velvoir as they play Chantel McGregor NE VOLUME ON SOCIAL NE Volume Live at ARC at The Cluny MEDIA Artist Spotlight: JustSo Mousetival PICK UP OUR FREE NORTH EAST MUSIC/CULTURE MAGAZINE! LET’S GET EVEN LOUDER NORTH EAST VOLUME!!!!! NEWS! FEATURES! WELCOME! Thank you so much for picking up PG.5 Gig Preview: PG.21 Billingham International Folklore The Libertines at Times Square, Festival Of World Dance - NE Volume magazine - the magazine Newcastle! Peacock Lake! produced by local music and culture fans, for local music and culture fans. So we’re Mousetival! PG.6 Festival Preview: PG.22 right in the middle of festival season! You Howzat Music Festival, Saltburn! PG.24 Leeds Festival 2017! may have already been to Glastonbury this year, or a local festival such as PG.7 Gig Preview: PG.25 Hardwick Live 2017! Willowman or Sunniside Live, but you’ll Plaza at The House Of Blah Blah, be glad to know there are even more Middesbrough! PG.28 Lindisfarne Festival 2017! taking place in the region this month. Anyhow, moving on, in this month’s PG.10 Gig Preview: INTERVIEWS! edition we chat to Ocean Colour Scene Chantel McGregor at The Cluny, as they prepare to play Hardwick Live; Newcastle! PG.33 The Fratellis! we provide you with our honest opinion of Carl Barat and the Jackals at KU Bar, PG.11 Gig Preview: PG.34 Roddy Woomble! Hivemind at The Independent, Stockton; we keep you up-to-date with Sunderland! PG.35 Velvoir! what’s happening in the region this month including: The Libertines at Times Square PG.38 Ocean Colour Scene! in Newcastle, Mousetival at the Georgian Theatre in Stockton and Plaza at The PG.40 Rojor! CULTURE CORNER! House of Blah Blah in Middlesbrough; in our culture section we provide you with PG.14 Comedy: Laura Lezz + Ben Crompton GIG REVIEWS! details of Hartlepool Waterfront Festival, and so much more.
    [Show full text]
  • Irish Landscape Names
    Irish Landscape Names Preface to 2010 edition Stradbally on its own denotes a parish and village); there is usually no equivalent word in the Irish form, such as sliabh or cnoc; and the Ordnance The following document is extracted from the database used to prepare the list Survey forms have not gained currency locally or amongst hill-walkers. The of peaks included on the „Summits‟ section and other sections at second group of exceptions concerns hills for which there was substantial www.mountainviews.ie The document comprises the name data and key evidence from alternative authoritative sources for a name other than the one geographical data for each peak listed on the website as of May 2010, with shown on OS maps, e.g. Croaghonagh / Cruach Eoghanach in Co. Donegal, some minor changes and omissions. The geographical data on the website is marked on the Discovery map as Barnesmore, or Slievetrue in Co. Antrim, more comprehensive. marked on the Discoverer map as Carn Hill. In some of these cases, the evidence for overriding the map forms comes from other Ordnance Survey The data was collated over a number of years by a team of volunteer sources, such as the Ordnance Survey Memoirs. It should be emphasised that contributors to the website. The list in use started with the 2000ft list of Rev. these exceptions represent only a very small percentage of the names listed Vandeleur (1950s), the 600m list based on this by Joss Lynam (1970s) and the and that the forms used by the Placenames Branch and/or OSI/OSNI are 400 and 500m lists of Michael Dewey and Myrddyn Phillips.
    [Show full text]
  • Limerick Walking Trails
    11. BALLYHOURA WAY 13. Darragh Hills & B F The Ballyhoura Way, which is a 90km way-marked trail, is part of the O’Sullivan Beara Trail. The Way stretches from C John’s Bridge in north Cork to Limerick Junction in County Tipperary, and is essentially a fairly short, easy, low-level Castlegale LOOP route. It’s a varied route which takes you through pastureland of the Golden Vale, along forest trails, driving paths Trailhead: Ballinaboola Woods Situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, Ballyhoura and river bank, across the wooded Ballyhoura Mountains and through the Glen of Aherlow. Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains. The Darragh Hills, situated to the A Car Park, Ardpatrick, County southeast of Kilfinnane, offer pleasant walking through mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland with some heathland. Directions to trailhead Limerick C The Ballyhoura Way is best accessed at one of seven key trailheads, which provide information map boards and There are wonderful views of the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside with Galtymore in the distance. car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, Services: Ardpatrick (4Km) D Directions to trailhead E restaurants and public transport. The trailheads are located as follows: Dist/Time: Knockduv Loop 5km/ From Kilmallock take the R512, follow past Ballingaddy Church and take the first turn to the left to the R517. Follow Trailhead 1 – John’s Bridge Ballinaboola 10km the R517 south to Kilfinnane. At the Cross Roads in Kilfinnane, turn right and continue on the R517.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Northwords Now to an E-Reader Interview with Kathleen Jamie, Page 10
    The FREE literary magazine of the North Northwords Now Issue 24, Summer 2013 Greetings from Iraq – John Glenday Takes a Poetic Journey Kathleen Jamie Interview New Poetry and Fiction including Kevin MacNeil, Lesley Harrison, Paddy Bushe EDITORIAL Contents had no difficulty is deciding what to feature in my edito- 3 Everything is Translation rial for this issue. At the end of June 2013 Hi-Arts, the Essay by John Glenday I body charged with supporting organisations and individu- als working in the arts and heritage, across the Highlands and 4 Poems by George Gunn Islands, was formally dissolved. This isn’t the time and the place to debate the rights and wrongs of arts funding in Scotland, 5 Travelling Light and how it is administered, but I do want to shout out loud Peter White and Jon Miller that the support that Northwords Now has received from the Hi-Arts team, especially Karen Ray, Laura Martin and Robert 6 Poems by Ross Wilson, Sandy Jones, Beth McDonough, Raymond Friel Livingston, has been exemplary. Not only have they provided very sound advice and vital admin support but they’ve done 7 Zebra Day this with a real sense of enthusiasm for, and commitment Short Story by Rhoda Michael to, the cultural life of the Highlands & Islands. They will be missed. 8 Poems by Rody Gorman The passing of Hi-Arts has meant some changes at Northwords Now and I’m very pleased to welcome Vicki Miller 9 Poems by Paddy Bushe, Ian McDonough & Raymond Friel to the team. Among other things Vicki will be responsible for handling advertising, so if you’d like to use our pages to let 10 Interview with Kathleen Jamie by Mandy Haggith over ten thousand readers know about your business, do get in touch.
    [Show full text]
  • Connemara Trip May 2018
    Connemara trip May 2018 ‘B’ Group Leader : Andrew McKibbin Followers : Mark McGinley, Bert Rima , Marie Hoeritzauer , Joe Wilson , Noel Rice , Pam Quiery , Dermot MacDermott , Domnall McComish and Ellen Greaney. The ‘B’ Group enjoyed 3 stunning walks over the May bank holiday weekend in Connemara, gallantly led by Andrew Mc Kibbin over forest track, bare crag and tussocky grass with a little bog thrown in, in South Mayo and North west Galway. We basked in glorious sunshine on all days and consequently the vistas were tremendous . To enjoy 1 such day in Connemara is a treat but we were really blessed to have 3 in succession. On Saturday morning we eyed that day’s target , Mweelrea , from the hotel terrace ,at 8.30 its peak was masked by a thin veil of cloud but otherwise there was scarcely another cloud in the sky. Having driven around the north side of Killary, we parked at the newly renovated Delphi Adventure resort. We set off up the forest track, shortly after leaving the trees behind we took to the open hill onto the flank of Mweelrea, the terrain was grassy by times and boggy at others , as we climbed the view over the fiord below opened up to our left and over the broad glaciated valley to our right. After a steep ascent we gained the Southeast spur- Derreennawhinshin, then down to the saddle, there we lunched surrounded by flying insects which we figured were mayfly on their brief flight, could they really have made it up here out of the depths of Lough Lugaloughan 100metres below? Next it was more climbing to the summit of Mweelrea at 814m.
    [Show full text]