Hiking Centre Launch of Brochure and Walks` Cards
On Saturday, October 6th, Irish Sports Council CEO and former olympian
John Treacy officially launched the Hiking Centre`s walking brochure
and walks` cards at Rathgormack Community and Hiking Centre. A
sprinkling of politicians, some local people and some visitors turned up
on a glorious day to mark the occasion.
The brochure and cards are the culmination of over four years work
and are available in a number of local outlets. The project began in
2007 with the way marking of Bóithrín an Mhargaidh, Ross Bridge and
Clondonnell road walks along with An Rath Beag, Lough Mohra and
Glenpatrick Bridge forest walks. The forest walks were the first Fáilte
Ireland approved looped walks in county Waterford. In 2008 and 2009
some hill walks were marked from Curraheen – The Gap and Coumduala
linear walks along with the Boolas looped walk. The final part of the
project involved the production of the walking brochure and route cards.
The Hiking Centre committee is very grateful to the landowners who
supported the project and would also like to thank the Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Fáilte Ireland and Waterford
County Council for their funding support.
John Treacy said the Sports Council was very impressed with the
brochure and congratulated all involved. Cllr Mary Greene echoed
John`s hope that the brochure would attract more visitors to the area.
Michael O`Donoghue presented Mr. Treacy with a mirror crafted
by local woodturner Eddie Fogarty. Following the launch John led a
group of walkers on an hour long trek along the Rath Beag Loop and
most returned to the Hiking Centre afterwards to partake in the tasty
refreshments available.
