A visitor to Millstreet for the last two days was Peter Lonergan, a Cork man living in Australia for the last thirty years who is following the footsteps of the O’Sullivan Beara March of 1603 from West Cork to Leitrim. Of his arrival in Millstreet on Monday he said: ” Running(walking!) behind schedule Joe and Willie welcomed us to Millstreet by leading us over the last climb of the day (Clara Mt.) and into Millstreet. A day that began at 9.15am came to close at 6.15pm and some 20 odd miles covered was again a very special day and I finish by saying a Cead Mile Maith Agaibh to Padraig agus Donal, Rachel agus Cathal, Joe and Willie for their Welcome to Country.”
He stayed for the night at Geararoe B&B with Eily Buckley. The following day he walked with Michael Thornton, who took him across the Boeing, to Derrinagree School, and on to Lismire, and he said of his day: “To end a perfect day Michael brought me to his
home place to meet his family. A further 30 kilometers up the track as I record this blog my lasting thoughts are even though the scenery is very beautiful, it is the people that make this a very special place.”
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The below article appeared in the West Cork Times two weeks ago:
O’Sullivan Bere on the march again by Jim O’Sullivan
FOR the Historians among you the famous O’Sullivan Bere March from Dunboy Castle in deepest West Cork to Leitrim in 1603 is a hugely significant event.
For one Cork man who has spent the last 30 years in Australia it’s a piece of History that never left his mind.
He was always fascinated with this moment in time and since his schooldays always wondered could he follow in the footsteps of those hardy men.
Well, for Peter Lonergan who grew up in Douglas in Cork City his dream is about to become a reality.
This year Peter is taking an extended holiday from Perth in Australia and on Saturday June 2nd at 9am he will commence the March from the original Dunboy Castle in Castletownbere with a schedule to arrive in Leitrim on Sunday, June 17th.
This will be 16 days in all (not as hardy as O’Sullivan and his Men who did it in 14 days!).
Peter and his family would wholeheartedly welcome other walkers to join him at any stage along the way.
Anyone is welcome to join the walk whether it is for half a day, a full day or longer. At all times there will be a support car in place for contact, transporting overnight bags, emergencies, etc.
Peter’s family, extended family and friends are supporting the walk and are very indebted the community groups along the way who previously organised a similar walk and their experience has been invaluable in making everything happen.
If you have a query in relation to the Walk or would like to support in any way, provide local knowledge on the route or indeed share your experiences please contact any of the following:
Paddy Lonergan <email> 086 255 0734
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Links:
Preview of Peter’s walking trip in the West Cork Times
Peter’s blog entry for day 1 (with photos)
Peter’s Blog entry of day 2 (with photos)
Peter,
It was a great treat for us all in Derinagree to meet you and hear your fantastic story. The children were delighted with the important job of giving you ‘safe passage’ through such dangerous Derinagree Territory! If they got half a chance or the vaguest encouragement, they’d have walked to Lismire with you!!