I've opened up registration for 2017 as I know some of you like to commit early. The registration fees are the same (€50, €40 and €25). 3 days walking for €50, where else would you get it. No pseudo inflation here.

Some of you will probably want to gift a registration to a walking buddy as a stocking filler. Imagine their delight when they hear you've signed them up for (up to) three days challenge level hill walking next August.

If you're in a club you might want to 'adopt a walker' as your good deed for 2017. I know there are club members that want to take part but just need a bit of encouragement. Take them under your wing. You'll feel good. They'll feel good. Win. Win.

I haven't decided on a beneficiary(s) yet.

Dates are : 18th, 19th and 20th of August 2017

It's limited to 75 walkers.
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http://www.feisheehychallenge.net/registration.html

“Inaction weighs heavy on the shoulders of restless men and women.”

There’s an innate decency in every person that has supported the Fei Sheehy Challenge. The walkers, those that registered but couldn’t make it, the crew on the ground, the product/prize sponsors, those that donated and sponsored walkers, and everyone else who provided assistance in making the event happen. It’s a great testament to the Titans and Titanides of the hillwalking community.

At the end of the day, it’s a fundraiser and we’re doing it for someone else.

I could write paragraphs on the weather over the three days, but we defied it without incident and that’s what matters.

What I will say is that, the forecast was ‘Monsoonish’. Friday granted us an armada of cloud with the odd ‘cannon’ fire of rain but all agreed that it could have been worse. Saturday was a day that you’d find in an Antarctic explorers log book and it was ferociously difficult to plant the toes of the rear foot in front of the advanced heels on Galtybeg. Sunday was a ‘pleasant’ day, considering what went before.  

It really was a baptism of fire for those that were new to the event and the toughest year yet for the regulars. Everyone had the fitness levels and navigational ability to get the job done safely. The weather dictated that walking in a group was logical and who better to follow on the Comeragh’s than a man that’s on first name terms with all the peat hags.
   
The Club challenge trophy was retained by Peaks Mountaineering Club Clonmel but I’ve seen a FB post where a firm gauntlet has been thrown down by another club to stop the treble. Could the All-Ireland Hillwalking Club title be heading to Dublin? Could they both be ambushed by another club?

The energy and chat in Ballyporeen, after three tough days, was something to behold. You’d think that folk would be anxious to get away after getting drowned on the mountains, but no.

What better way to end the event than to have a feast of sandwiches, bracks, tarts, queen cakes, jam & cream sponge, coffee cake, bowls of chocolate ( all washed down with tea or coffee ) and a chat about this challenge and what one they’re doing next. There’s a common bond amongst all these people; it’s an absolute love of hillwalking.

Participant List

Pat Beardmore, Pavel Madar Bodi, David Browne, Patrick Dennis, Kevin Finn, Ian Fitzgerald, Steven Forde, Sean Freeman, Patrick Harraghy, Michael Kearney, Justin Kelleher, David Kiely, Noreen McCarthy, Gerry McVeigh, Michael Moroney, Josephine O’Brien, Mary O’Connell, Bridie O’Connor, Ronan O’Connor, Kevin O’Donnell, Pat O’Loan, Muiris O’Suilleabhain, Bart O’Sullivan, Ken Quinlivan, Michael Rea, Billy Sheehan, Gerard Sheehy and Mark Vesey.  

Sign-In/Sign-Out, Stand-By and Catering

Margo, Martha, Tom, Pat, Nuala, Eimear, Kate.

​Awards Ceremony Presenter

Lian Sheehy

Event Stats.

47 Registered
28 Participated
14 did 3 days
5 did 2 days
9 did 1 day.

10 Participants were new to the event

6 did 3 days
1 did 2 days
3 did 1 day.
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Peaks Mountaineering Club had 3 that did 3 days, 2 that did 2 days and 2 that did 1 day.

2 participants did the treble in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

​It's not too late to help with a donation. You can do so by clicking 'The Money Part' tab, above.

Less than a month to go before registration closes and the organisation is going well. I just said I'd bring you up to date with the following: 

• Registrations are slightly up on the same day last year so hopefully we'll have a bigger turnout
• The medals have been ordered (image below)
• The Certificates are ready (see sample below)
• We were awarded a grant of €500 from Clonmel Borough Council (Community Grant Scheme)
• I did an interview with a reporter fro the Irish Examiner which will hopefully translate into an article, before the event
• Insurance has been arranged  
• Itinerary will be emailed to participants when registration closes

Gerard.

If you didn't qualify for Rio this year, perhaps you might like to set your sights on the the Fei Sheehy Challenge in August by joining other hill walking 'Olympians' on the Comeragh, Galty and Knockmealdown Mountains. You can choose to do one, two or three days of the fundraising challenge, depending on your fitness level. 

To be fair, you have a better chance of collecting a medal  at our event, as all you have to do is get from A to B and 1st, 2nd's or 3rd's are irrelevant. Of course, there is the small matter of navigating a bit of distance and height gain in between, but that should be no problem to a good hill walker like you. The closing day of the Rio Olympics coincides with the last day of the challenge. 

There's also the 'Club Challenge' to consider. It's just a matter of a group of like minded walkers, within a club, getting together and declaring an interest in the event, in advance. Last year, Peaks Mountaineering Club carried off the title and trophy after putting in the work before and during the event. Rumour has it that they're recruiting an even bigger group, from the ranks of their 'A' and 'B' walkers to assist with retaining the crown.

If distance/accommodation are a major impediment to a club taking part in the 'Club Challenge' then they should contact me. If there is a demand, we should be able to accommodate some home-stays with other hill walkers in the area. A small donation towards the fundraising would be fair for this type of service, I think.   

Registration is now open and numbers are limited. There are no refunds but the registration fee will go to the nominated charities if you can't make it.  Come the opening day of the Olympics proper on the 5th August you'll be just brimming with fitness and energy and looking for a release outlet. By then it will be too late to register so commit early and keep it in focus. 

Gerard.
  

A total of €8,633.33 was raised by the event so each of the five charities will receive €1,726.67.

Well done to all those who registered, participated, fund raised, sponsored products, donated and assisted with the smooth organisation and running of the event.