8 November 2001 Edition
Hillwalkers Raise Thousands for Colombia 3
BY KIERAN CLIFFORD
Colombia 3 Sponsored Walk
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
On Sunday 4 November more than 60 people gathered in Glendalough, County Wicklow to tackle the mountains in an effort to raise funds for the Colombia 3 - Bring Them Home Campaign.
With the weather on our side the group of adults and children headed up to the beautiful Pollanass Waterfall. Splitting up at this point, one group headed back down to call into the visitors' centre, visit the church ruins and head around the lakeside to the miners' camp. This walk, led by Brian McNally, suited the families with young children while offering some spectacular views of the valley and mountains. This group got a brief history lesson on the mining facilities and the work of the monks who lived along the lake.
Leading the larger group were members of the Tar Isteach Bog Trotters. They continued upwards on the track laid with railway sleepers along the Spink over looking the valley and the lake. Reaching the 500-metre point before descending to the mine ruins, walkers were treated to incredible scenery in the forest and views across the entire valley from the ridge. On the descent, a lunch break at the ruins allowed everyone to regroup before heading across the river and down alongside the river bank to the lakeshore. With just one turned ankle on the way down, the group made it back to the base of the mountain just as the rain began.
The successful walk was followed by an informal gathering in the Woodpecker Pub, Ashford, where an update on the campaign was provided. Madeline Connolly, Niall Connolly's sister, gave a run down on the latest developments and the horrific conditions in which the men are being held. Detailing the difficulties of the case in terms of the language barrier, the fact that men have been separated and are allowed minimal to no contact with one another and the constant threat posed to their lives by the right wing paramilitary element who control sections of the prisons, Madeline highlighted the serious human rights concerns as well as the tremendous cost of mounting the legal challenge. A very grave picture of what the men are facing was presented.
Caroline Hogan, Jim Monaghan's niece, thanked all present for their fundraising efforts and encouraged the continuing work of everyone involved. Participating in the walk were numerous family members and friends of all three men.
The fundraising aspect of the walk was exceptional with walkers from across Ireland participating. More than £2,000 was collected on the day, with hundreds more to be collected from sponsors.
Anyone who has not yet turned in their sponsorship cards and money should forward all to myself, Kieran Clifford, at Tar Isteach, 40/41 Dominick Street Lower, Dublin 1, Tel: (01) 8749990.
In the event that the men are not yet home, another sponsored walk will be organised after the New Year. In the meantime, the Tar Isteach Bog Trotters will continue their trek along Art O'Neill's trail. The next walk is scheduled for Sunday 25 November. For further information contact Kieran as above.
Colombia 3 Sponsored Walk
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
On Sunday 4 November more than 60 people gathered in Glendalough, County Wicklow to tackle the mountains in an effort to raise funds for the Colombia 3 - Bring Them Home Campaign.
With the weather on our side the group of adults and children headed up to the beautiful Pollanass Waterfall. Splitting up at this point, one group headed back down to call into the visitors' centre, visit the church ruins and head around the lakeside to the miners' camp. This walk, led by Brian McNally, suited the families with young children while offering some spectacular views of the valley and mountains. This group got a brief history lesson on the mining facilities and the work of the monks who lived along the lake.
Leading the larger group were members of the Tar Isteach Bog Trotters. They continued upwards on the track laid with railway sleepers along the Spink over looking the valley and the lake. Reaching the 500-metre point before descending to the mine ruins, walkers were treated to incredible scenery in the forest and views across the entire valley from the ridge. On the descent, a lunch break at the ruins allowed everyone to regroup before heading across the river and down alongside the river bank to the lakeshore. With just one turned ankle on the way down, the group made it back to the base of the mountain just as the rain began.
The successful walk was followed by an informal gathering in the Woodpecker Pub, Ashford, where an update on the campaign was provided. Madeline Connolly, Niall Connolly's sister, gave a run down on the latest developments and the horrific conditions in which the men are being held. Detailing the difficulties of the case in terms of the language barrier, the fact that men have been separated and are allowed minimal to no contact with one another and the constant threat posed to their lives by the right wing paramilitary element who control sections of the prisons, Madeline highlighted the serious human rights concerns as well as the tremendous cost of mounting the legal challenge. A very grave picture of what the men are facing was presented.
Caroline Hogan, Jim Monaghan's niece, thanked all present for their fundraising efforts and encouraged the continuing work of everyone involved. Participating in the walk were numerous family members and friends of all three men.
The fundraising aspect of the walk was exceptional with walkers from across Ireland participating. More than £2,000 was collected on the day, with hundreds more to be collected from sponsors.
Anyone who has not yet turned in their sponsorship cards and money should forward all to myself, Kieran Clifford, at Tar Isteach, 40/41 Dominick Street Lower, Dublin 1, Tel: (01) 8749990.
In the event that the men are not yet home, another sponsored walk will be organised after the New Year. In the meantime, the Tar Isteach Bog Trotters will continue their trek along Art O'Neill's trail. The next walk is scheduled for Sunday 25 November. For further information contact Kieran as above.