14 April 2009

All the training is done, the gear is ready, now for the real thing! On Saturday, almost 200 volunteers from the Local Community and further afield will descend on Lisleibane near Killarney as the Friends of Clooney/Quin GAA Club take on Irelands highest mountain, Carrauntoohil to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. In tandem with the climb, a 10K Walk will also take place, with the walkers departing at the same time from Lisleibane.

There is a change to the Climbing route we will take to the peak of Carrauntoohil. In order that all volunteers can get to the top of the mountain and back down safely, the Organisers, in consultation with the Group Leaders, have decided that the Route known as the "ZigˍZag" will be used. This route, though not as well known as the other three main routes, is very popular with less experienced hillwalkers, thus allowing those who are new to the outdoor experience the maximum opportunity to reach the summit.
We will commence the climb, and walk, from the Car Park in Lisliebane and follow the route that is used for Brother O'Sheas Gully and The Devils Ladder. We will then travel between the lower Lakes of Lough Gouragh and Callee, before turning left, to commence our climb. We will follow the Zig-Zag trail up to the top of Cnoc na Toinne and follow the Ridge past the top of the Devils Ladder and then commence the final ascent to the peak, hopefully with all climbers reaching the summit!
The details regarding the Day are as follows;
The Bus, which needs to be pre-booked by volunteers, will depart from the Church Cross in Quin promptly at 7AM on Saturday.All Climbers and Walkers must register with Pat O'Loughlin 6825901 or Pat Ryan 0872906766 if they have not already done so.Those driving to Kerry are asked to be in Car Park in Lisleibane at 9.30AM, with suitable footwear and clothing, food, etc....
On completion of the days exertions, a Reception will be held in "The Castlerosse Hotel", Killarney. The bus is scheduled to arrive home in village at 10PM approx.
Don’t forget that we are trying to raise as much money for the Irish Cancer Society as we can, so put the pressure on to get those vital few Euro in before Saturdays event.
The Group Leaders have informed us that no one can climb without suitable footwear. Thus, you will need comfortable boots, with good ankle support. There will be no exceptions, so we ask everyone to get not only their footwear, but also all their gear in order before Saturday. 

I attach the information from the previous post, which contains some useful safety and gear information. 

The following information is from the Kerry Mountain Rescue Website.  
Hillwalking Equipment
As a general rule of thumb you should always pack with the assumption that you may end up having to stay out after dark, even if it is through no fault of your own (for example you may be required to help another walker in distress).
Try to be an asset and not a burden to any group that you are a part of.
A minimum list of equipment to carry on a day's hillwalk includes the following:
* - Waterproof jacket and leggings
* - Quality walking boots(N.B. These are most important!)
* - Plenty of warm clothing (nylon or fleece, but not cotton)
* - Hat and gloves
* - Food and fluids (and spare food!)
Map and compass (and the ability to use them!)
Survival bag
First aid kit
Torch (+ spare battery and bulb)
Whistle
Rucksack
Other items to consider include sleeping bag, emergency shelter, walking pole, rucksack liner, gaiters, watch, sun cream and hat (we all live in hope!), binoculars, camera, penknife etc..
Mobile phones can be useful to carry, and there is no doubt that in some emergency situations they can save hours in calling for help, and can be extremely useful for enabling Mountain Rescue Teams to communicate directly with a party on the hill.  
Be aware, however, that coverage in many mountainous areas is still poor and a signal may not always be possible.
A sensible approach is to carry a phone but not to depend on it (ie. carry it with the assumption that it will not work, and view it as a bonus if it does). It should certainly not be viewed as a substitute for knowledge, experience and essential equipment. Remember the mountaineering ethic of self-reliance, and please don't call out a Mountain Rescue team prematurely.  
The Kerry Mountain Rescue Website is well worth a visit. http://kerrymountainrescue.ie/index.htmlIt contains a lot of very useful information.
Also, check out Mountain Views, http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?mtnindex=23   another Site with information on Routes and so on….
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather for the Mountain, click here....http://www.accuweather.com/ukie/mountain-forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&site=EIGMOL;Macgillycuddey's%20Reeks 
Photos below....... 
Photo's on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/36553249@N06/sets/ 
Keeper Hill http://www.microstreet.com/khc/ 
Galty Climb http://microstreet.com/gmts/ 
Remember what we are about. We want to raise as much finance for Cancer Research, so we are seeking as many volunteers as possible who will raise as much money as they can!

Our Fundraising Motto - "You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others." Author Unknown