Art O' Neill Walk 2009

Art O'Neill Walk 2009

There was a time in the past when as little as four people turned up to do the annual Art O’Neill Walk in commemoration of the escape of Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art and Henry O’Neill in January 1592.  On the night of Friday, 9th January 2009, the scene was entirely different. 

Art O'Neill Walk 2009 Organised in support of Stuart Mangan, a young lad of twenty-six from Fermoy, Co. Cork, who had suffered a permanently disabling injury during a game of rugby, the event had much of the razzmatazz associated with great sporting occasions.  In this instance 196 participants and their friends turned up in the courtyard of Dublin Castle as early as two hours before the starting time of midnight.  The first thing they heard was the music provided by the Red Bull music wagon as their disc jockeys played a continuous stream of upbeat sounds to entertain everyone present.  Free refreshments from the same enterprise were available also to everyone. 

 Organised mainly by Gearóid Towey, Olympian and cross-Atlantic rower, a personal friend of Stuart Mangan, and mountain runner Paul Mahon, great efforts had been made to make the event a success.  As the time for departure approached, Gearóid gave a rousing speech to explain the reason for the event and afterwards Paul spoke about some safety matters concerning the forthcoming trek.  Immediately after these niceties there was a surge of people out of Dublin Castle courtyard past the Tower from which Art, Hugh and Henry, escaped as they made their way out onto Ship Street and on their way to the Dublin Hills.    

 The first drop-out was at the Old Mill crossroads in Tallaght at 10km.  At Stone Cross 5km later another person withdrew.  At the end of this road section of the Walk at Kippure Estate, the first checkpoint at 25km, twelve more people withdrew.  This was the place where the participants generally separated into groups led by experienced hillwalkers as they headed up Ballinabrocky Mountain, the start of the open mountains.  Ballynultagh Gap at 33km saw a further twelve people withdraw before the ascent of Black Hill, still in darkness.  The second checkpoint at 43k, Ballinagee Bridge, not far from the Wicklow Gap, gave a welcome break to the walkers as they partook of the porridge provided by Odlums.  Unfortunately, 30 more walkers called it a day here after a very difficult passage through rough terrain from Ballynultagh Gap. 

It should be mentioned that 11 ultra mountain runners had started from Dublin Castle at 2am and had caught up with the fastest walkers around here.  The fastest runner, Eoin Keith, had passed everyone long before this!   The final section was a mere 12k in length, up to Art’s Memorial at the top of the Glenreemore Brook, on to Art’s Cross and, passing Three Lakes, down to the finish at Baravore car park in Glenmalure.  However, this was the most tiring part for many as they dug deep into their reserves of stamina.  Eoin Keith, the runner, completed the 55km distance in 6hrs 40 mins, while the first group of walkers arrived in 12 hours, the second and third in 15 hours/15hrs 15mins and the last one in 16hrs 15mins.  Other individuals arrived at varying times between the groups.  

As with all successful events, the importance of volunteers in making things run smoothly and safely is vital.  This event was no different.  There were countless people helping out with registration at Dublin Castle, many more providing food, drink and heating at Kippure Estate and likewise at Ballinagee Bridge and at the finish in Glenmalure.  There were also several hiking leaders who brought groups safely through the mountains to accomplish their goal. 

Thanks to them, and especially  Gearóid and Paul who organised everything, for making the occasion a memorable and worthwhile happening for everyone.  A special ‘thank you’ to Red Bull for providing refreshments and entertainment, Odlums for the porridge, and all those who generously provided lighting, cameras, tables and generators when required throughout the trek.  Media partners on this occasion were the personnel of ‘The Outsider’ magazine.  Many thanks to everyone for helping to make the event a great success, not only for the participants but chiefly for Stuart Mangan.  

Tom Milligan