Take a hike

Brian Keenan Memorial Sheild: Shauneen Baker receiving the shield from Seán Keenan on behalf of last year’s winners

BY ELLA O’DWYER

AFTER the enthusiasm engendered by last year’s Brian Keenan Mountain Challenge in the Mournes, County Down, a second event has been arranged for Saturday 5 September and the organisers are expecting the participation of between 300 and 400 people.
The event is a fund-raiser for the Sinn Féin Organisational Development Unit (ODU) to cover expenses like travel, computer equipment and other costs involved in the department’s work throughout the country.
Teams will consist of five hikers and the entry fee is £100 or €100 per person, which the individual must raise through sponsorships.
The winning team will be presented with the Brian Keenan Memorial Shield and spot prizes will also be awarded at an event that night in the Rostrevor Social Club, County Down.

HOOKED ON HIKING
One of the organisers, Declan Murphy,  who took part in last year’s climb, is hooked.
“It’s a bug, you feel totally invigorated after the climb and it’s great craic too.
“You’re talking about bonding, comradeship and it’s also something that the majority of people can do because you can take it at your own pace.”
Those relatively new to the sport will be asked to hike from Bloody Bridge in Newcastle County Down to a place called Deer’s Meadow. This is a 16.5km distance and should take between six and seven hours.
The more experienced will be expected to continue from Deer’s Meadow on to Rostrevor and into Kilbroney Red Bog, a distance of roughly 26km, which should take between eight and ten hours.
South Down Sinn Féin will provide refreshments at the halfway mark.
For those of you who haven’t a clue where these places are, don’t worry there will be comrades there to steward or shepherd you.

GET YOUR BOOTS ON
People wanting to participate should contact Declan on 087 265 7265 for information packs, including a training schedule and a list of required clothing and accommodation.
If there are any individuals who cannot find another four to make up a team, just let Declan know and he will source a team for you.
One of the high points in last year’s event was the participation of famous professional climber Banjo Bannon, who has already climbed Everest and K2.
Banjo will be at this year’s event too to encourage participants.
Banjo’s climbing history has involved personal courage, determination and conviction, characteristics, which Declan reminds us, are very much associated with the late Volunteer Brian Keenan.
“The whole thing about the Brian Keenan aspect is that the climb is about challenge, determination, comradeship and courage – and Brian Keenan had all of those qualities.”