What a beautiful walk from the Darkness into Light last Saturday morning. We have been enjoying a particularly beautiful spell of warm weather and it made it all the more magical as a result. We welcomed around 1500 participants to Westport House.
We must give special mention to Cora Staunton from the Mayo Ladies team – who brought along 40 ladies – and is always an excellent ambassador for the event. Father Charlie McDonnell who made the long journey back from Waterford for the event to speak some rousing words reminding us to always be willing to chat and be careful not to use the term “man flu”. Father John Kenny who is organising Peddle, Paddle, Pilgrimage in aid of Pieta House on May 20th.
Thanks to the Westport Leisure Park (Dermott Langan) as well as the Westport Town Hall (Rosaleen) for handling the pre-registration for the event. And of course, the Clew Bay Pipe Band gave us all a wonderful pep in our step along the route and a big well done to 12 year old Holly for singing us awake.
This event couldn’t take place without all the volunteers. We really appreciated the Mayo Fire Service who made sure everyone parked safely and the Order of Malta who kept everyone in good health. Thanks to Christy for providing the Marquees. One of the nicest parts of the morning is the chat after the walk over a hot cuppa and a scone. With thanks to Gracy’s for looking after us so well as well as all of the local businesses who donated including Super Valu/The Wyatt, The Clew Bay Hotel, the Westport Hotel Resort, Westport Woods as well as the generous businesses in Achill and Newport (I’m sorry I don’t have the names but please feel free to leave in the comments).
And finally, special mention goes out to Maeve & Alan Gallagher who have organised this event for six years – all the way from Kildare. The committee does amazing work and we would be remiss not to thank them all – Anne Gallagher, Pete Digweed, Maureen Kilbane, Doreen and James Forry, David Gallagher, Denise Corrigan, Liz Brady, Mary Murphy and family, Edward McNamara, Oonagh McGinnity and Michael Kilbane. Special mention goes out to Maeve & Alan’s kids: Ruby, Ally and Alan Jnr who kept us all smiling! It would not happen without you and all 1,500 of us who were present are very grateful for all the hard work and time you put into it. You have made a massive difference to people’s lives.
Enjoy the photos below with most credited to Linda McNulty Photography and her brilliant eye.
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