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The Galtys Walk 2010

The Galtys Walk 2010

 

The annual Gus Tobin Galty Marathon took place on a beautiful Saturday on the 12th June this year when conditions for such a challenge were perfect.

Travelling along pretty country backroads to the registration area at The Foot pub in the Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary, we knew that a great treat was in store for everyone.
 
Organised by the Tyndall Mountain Club and the Tullow Mountain Club we had occasion to meet with the friendly and efficient organisers and volunteers before the commencement of business.
 
One of the more busy people was Seán Costelloe who, amongst his many assistants, was constantly on the move making sure that all went well and smoothly.  At the appointed time two buses whisked the 70+ participants to the start at Com Bán wood at Anglesborough and the challenge commenced at 8.30am.
The weather for the day was perfect, with a cooling breeze keeping everyone on the move.  The scenery from the Galtys ridge is exceptional and we were wishing that we didn't have to rush about so much so that we could take some photographs.  However, this was a challenge walk and the best effort needed to be made, with two vigorous hillrunners taking the lead from the start.
 
Fortunately the visibility was perfect on the route and those ahead could be used by the unfamiliar newbies as 'guides' to make the navigational process very easy indeed.  With a well-marked route through Com Bán forest at the start and through the forest at the finish all the finishers had no difficulty in negotiating the journey on the day.
The finish area at The Foot pub was a delight.  Relaxing in the courtyard of the said premises on the gloriously sunny afternoon, with copious amounts of tea, sandwiches, etc., from the sumptuous buffet provided free by the organisers, it was a day which nobody wanted to end.  Sitting around at the various tables and chairs we felt as if we were in some Greek resort, such was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the place.
One of things which we all found puzzling was the relatively low turnout for this event.  With an entry fee of €15, which included transport to the start of the walk and an excellent free buffet at the end, we felt that this was an event which much of the hillwalking community was missing out on.
 
However, thanks to Seán Costelloe, the ever-busy Secretary of the Tyndall Mountain Club, feedback forms were proferred at the end of the day so that input from the participants could be used to promote what can only be described as a hidden gem of an event.  A day to remember indeed.
Don't miss it next year!
Tom Milligan 
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