A festive tradition that has established itself in the idyllic village of Gathabawn, north Co Kilkenny, is that of the annual St Stephen’s Day charity walk. A popular area for walkers, this organised gathering embraces the scenic beauty of the area. After the indulgence of Christmas Day, a reasonable start of 12 noon gives people the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, stretch the legs and meet up with friends and family home for Christmas.
Organised by the Gathabawn Rural Development Group, this year, funds raised will go towards the local community first responder group, Johnstown Crosspatrick, Galmoy and Gathabawn CFR (Cardiac First Responder Group). Affiliated with the National Ambulance Service, this group of local volunteers are dispatched to attend various life-threatening emergencies and provide assistance until the arrival of the ambulance crew. In addition, the team provides training to the community on CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), assisting someone who is choking and detecting a stroke.
Local knowledge
The benefits of local knowledge in rural areas is something residents know cannot be underestimated. This group utilises the presence of volunteer responders throughout the catchment area to benefit the entire community. Funds raised from this walk will go towards maintaining the emergency telephone, ensuring training equipment is up-to-date and that response kits are replenished.
Signs indicating the long and short route along the way for the annual St Stephen's Day charity walk taking place in Gathabawn, Co Kilkenny.
There will be two route options on the day - the long route will take place on The Gathabawn Loop. This is approximately 11-12km and will take you along quiet country roads, forestry and farmland, crossing over the border into Co Laois at points. It is recommended to allow three to four hours to complete this route. It is worth noting, as there are other looped walks in this area that on 26 December, walkers should follow the signs for the ‘Gathabawn Loop.’
A shorter alternative, which is well sign-posted, will take in some farmland but mainly quiet, scenic country roads. This route is about 7km long and it is recommended to allow one and a half to two hours to complete this trail. Signs are up on the way-markers so people choosing this walk can clearly follow the correct route.
Walk responsibly
Organisers emphasise that if considering joining on the day, to dress for all weather and wear suitable sturdy footwear. It is regretted that dogs cannot be brought on either of these walks out of respect for landowners and their stock.
Both walks will depart from the village at noon with registration beforehand outside Mackey’s bar. Afterwards, on completion of the walks, participants can warm up with a hot soup kindly sponsored by Tirlán.
All roads lead to Gathabawn this St Stephen's Day for the annual charity walk.
Gathabawn Rural Development Group would like to thank all landowners, sponsors and supporters over the years and wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.
To get to Gathabawn, if coming from Kilkenny, drive towards Freshford and on the Urlingford road outside the town, follow the turn off to the right for Gathabawn. Coming from other directions, access the village from the R639 (old Dublin-Cork Road) at a crossroads halfway between Johnstown and Cullohill.
Departing the village at noon.12km or 5km loops.
Wear suitable boots and clothing.
Hot soup afterwards for all participants sponsored by Tirlán.
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A festive tradition that has established itself in the idyllic village of Gathabawn, north Co Kilkenny, is that of the annual St Stephen’s Day charity walk. A popular area for walkers, this organised gathering embraces the scenic beauty of the area. After the indulgence of Christmas Day, a reasonable start of 12 noon gives people the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, stretch the legs and meet up with friends and family home for Christmas.
Organised by the Gathabawn Rural Development Group, this year, funds raised will go towards the local community first responder group, Johnstown Crosspatrick, Galmoy and Gathabawn CFR (Cardiac First Responder Group). Affiliated with the National Ambulance Service, this group of local volunteers are dispatched to attend various life-threatening emergencies and provide assistance until the arrival of the ambulance crew. In addition, the team provides training to the community on CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), assisting someone who is choking and detecting a stroke.
Local knowledge
The benefits of local knowledge in rural areas is something residents know cannot be underestimated. This group utilises the presence of volunteer responders throughout the catchment area to benefit the entire community. Funds raised from this walk will go towards maintaining the emergency telephone, ensuring training equipment is up-to-date and that response kits are replenished.
Signs indicating the long and short route along the way for the annual St Stephen's Day charity walk taking place in Gathabawn, Co Kilkenny.
There will be two route options on the day - the long route will take place on The Gathabawn Loop. This is approximately 11-12km and will take you along quiet country roads, forestry and farmland, crossing over the border into Co Laois at points. It is recommended to allow three to four hours to complete this route. It is worth noting, as there are other looped walks in this area that on 26 December, walkers should follow the signs for the ‘Gathabawn Loop.’
A shorter alternative, which is well sign-posted, will take in some farmland but mainly quiet, scenic country roads. This route is about 7km long and it is recommended to allow one and a half to two hours to complete this trail. Signs are up on the way-markers so people choosing this walk can clearly follow the correct route.
Walk responsibly
Organisers emphasise that if considering joining on the day, to dress for all weather and wear suitable sturdy footwear. It is regretted that dogs cannot be brought on either of these walks out of respect for landowners and their stock.
Both walks will depart from the village at noon with registration beforehand outside Mackey’s bar. Afterwards, on completion of the walks, participants can warm up with a hot soup kindly sponsored by Tirlán.
All roads lead to Gathabawn this St Stephen's Day for the annual charity walk.
Gathabawn Rural Development Group would like to thank all landowners, sponsors and supporters over the years and wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.
To get to Gathabawn, if coming from Kilkenny, drive towards Freshford and on the Urlingford road outside the town, follow the turn off to the right for Gathabawn. Coming from other directions, access the village from the R639 (old Dublin-Cork Road) at a crossroads halfway between Johnstown and Cullohill.
Departing the village at noon.12km or 5km loops.
Wear suitable boots and clothing.
Hot soup afterwards for all participants sponsored by Tirlán.
Read more
Irish Tenors homecoming hits all the right notes
'Belief and encouragement are the matches which light the candle of achievement'
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