Joyce Country Challenge 2009

Joyce C C

The Lakedistrict hillwalking club were very pleased with the high turnout for their 2009 Joyce Country Challenge.

Over the three years this of this event, numbers have grown with each year. This year over 150 people took part in the 3 arranged walks. The Challenge continues to attract the very fit and dedicated walker, and again this year local man David Joyce was first home in a time of 3 hours and 50 minutes.

The B-Walk or led walk had forty good humoured pilgrims who enjoyed the scenery and craic without the care of navigation. The walk down from the Devils Mother was rewarded with fresh tea, sandwiches and cake at Marion's and Ray's café at Ail Dubh.

The third event, the ramble around the lake was blessed with good visibility and was a paradise for the keen photographer.

Overall close to 150 people took part and contributed almost €4k to the Galway Mayo hospice foundation. The organisers are looking forward to next year, and if past trends continue, will have an even bigger organisational challenge than ever.

Pictured above is the B-Walk section of the Joyce Country Challenge, getting ready to set off.

Regards Patsy.