On the trail for

“My first outing with the Comeragh mountaineering club was full of mischief, banter and lots of slagging. Straight away I knew that I would love it. I already had a love for the mountains but since I have committed to being an official member, I have had some amazing days out in the mountains. I have always felt great warmth from everyone, time to walk alone in silence and time to walk with others and chat.

I have had the most interesting conversations with the most interesting people, I have often left inspired after walks to explore the mountains of the world, when I hear the others recalling adventures beyond the Comeraghs. I have had plenty of very wet days, thick fog, sleet, snow and sunshine. The attraction for me is time to reflect on life, time to laugh, time to listen, time to walk in the expanse of the mountains and time to test how much my body is really capable of.

I have regularly ended up in a T-shirt in the depths of Winter, as I try to keep up with the B walkers, who continue to inspire me. During tough times at work I have often thought, "it'll be ok, the mountains are waiting for you Sunday ". Tá mé ag tnúth mór go dtí an chéad lá eile ar na sléibhte.”

"I was nervous joining the Comeragh Mountaineering Club, it was something I had wanted to do for years, but never had anyone to join with me. I wish I had known years ago that I would make so many new friends. Go on some fantastic adventures at home and abroad. I have done things I never thought I could do and that is down to the support of the wonderful members and leaders. The club has given me a new lease of life and a reason to get out in nature, even on the bad days."

"I joined the CMC in January 1994, my first outing was with Dennis Cullen a few short months later my first Club trip was to Snowdonia where I was introduced to rock climbing by Jack Bergin, hooked on the Mountains and climbing on that trip started to learn everything I could about Mountaineering and Mountain craft from Jack Bergin, John Foley, Denis Cullen and so many more always willing to pass on knowledge.

Keen to learn as much as I could about Mountaineering and its history I read everything I could to expand my knowledge about The Mountains [ much of it from the club library ]. and all these years later still love the Mountains ,so many adventures, epics, trips , emotions high and low , laughs and a few tears, its the people in the Club that make it the Club special from day one lifelong friendships made. Long may it continue."

"When a doctor tells me that I am very healthy for a man of my age, that says something about the long-term benefits of being in a mountaineering club. I went out with the club on an open day in autumn 1978 and have been in the Comeragh Mountaineering Club ever since."

"I had tried some hikes in the Comeraghs and quickly realised the benefits to, both mind and body. When my mood started to drop, I would put on a pair of boots and head for the hills. The positive results were both immediate and long lasting. I decided to join a club as they hiked every week and, in all weathers, which proved to be the case. What I didn’t anticipate was the affect of the friendships and social interactions that have blossomed since I joined. This ‘COMMUNITY’ that I am now part of, is by far, the best decision I’ve made in many years. Thank you all."