Timahoe shows the way on Valentine's Day
IT was a lovely way to spend St Valentine's Day, meandering through the Fossey Hills overlooking Timahoe. And, who knows, perhaps one or two new romances blossomed?
As organizer Johnny Dalton noted, it was a case of third time lucky for the eight annual Irish Wheelchair Association sponsored walk in Timahoe.
Snow and ice forced the abandonment of the event on its usual date, New Year's Day. Then another date was set, and cancelled. Finally, the walk went ahead last Sunday, St Valentine's Day.
Couples and individuals and children and the the young and not so young and five dogs - all participated in the walk, raising much needed funds for the IWA. Collecting the cash was Johnny's daughter Imelda and, so to speak, she did a roaring trade.
There were two routes, six kms and 10 kms. And the weather was ideal for walking, dry with a slight chill in the air.
"We're ready for take-off," declared Johnny. Then everyone departed from the village green, led by the redoubtable and speedy Leslie Pearse, originally from Derrykearn, Raheen.
Earlier, Johnny had thanked all who supported and participated in the walk. This year, he said, was the IWA's 50th anniversary.
IWA Regional Fundraiser Peadar Doogue also thanked the walkers. The IWA, he explained, had come from very humble beginnings. He explained, "We provide services to over 20,000 people in Ireland, very expensive services."
He paid tribule to Johnny Dalton for his contribution to the Association. "The work he does for the IWA is incredible," Peadar added.
Heading for the hills with great enthusiasm was Kobe, a beautiful white furry dog, accompaned by its owner, Brian Kiernan of Mountmellick.
"We were also on the hospice walk in Clonaslee," said Brian. "My daughters, Brenda and Helen, were worried that Kobe and myself had got lost along the way but we turned up safe and sound."
Local curate Fr Pat Breen was at the village green to lend moral support to the walkers and a political presence was there in the form of Cllr Padraig Fleming. Fair dues to Padraig, he completed the 10 kms.
Pat Dalton, a member of the great Portlaoise football team of the 1960s, was present to lend support to his cousin Johnny.
"To get somebody to propose would be great," mused Pat, obviously imbued with the St Valentine's Day spirit. Not, let us hasten to add, that he himself was seeking a proposal.
"At the top of the hill maybe somebody will," replied the ever optimistic Johnny. And perhaps somebody did.
Following the walk, or walks, much-needed and appreciated refreshments were served in the Community Hall, where chef Pat Dalton, Johnny's son, was on duty. A pleasant end to a memorable St Valentine's Day.
** To best view the images click on 'View Gallery'. All photos are by Alf Harvey
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Weather for Portlaoise
Friday 18 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
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