A unique three-peak challenge will take place in the picturesque surrounds of the neighbouring towns of Killaloe, County Clare, and Ballina, County Tipperary, on October 13th and 14th 2012.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Alan Kelly officially launched the Boru3Peaks annual charity event, which will feature two day-time and one night-time hill walking and hill running events in the surrounding peaks of Tountinna, Moylussa and Keeper Hill.
Funds raised will go to The Daughters of Charity Child and Family Services and the Clarisford Sports Ground Project, that will cater for hundreds of children and adults across the Shannon-side towns.
The event is organised by the Boru Tri Club, the local Triathlon club in Ballina/Killaloe.
Speaking today, Minister Kelly said the Boru3Peaks will enable participants to experience the stunning views of Killaloe, Ballina and Lough Derg from a new perspective, while at the same time help to raise funds for two important projects.
“This charity initiative is important for a number of different reasons. It promotes healthy activity amongst members of the local community, creates awareness of the awe-inspiring views and wonderful local amenities in the Killaloe/Ballina area, and it raises much needed funds for local charities. I am especially delighted to learn from the event organisers that the Boru3Peaks will be marketed as a Gathering event in 2013,” Minister Kelly added.
According to former Ireland and Munster Rugby star and Killaloe-native Anthony Foley: “I am delighted to lend my support to this event, which is the least I can do in light of the wonderful work being carried out by those involved with the Daughters of Charity and the Clarisford Sports Ground Project. The proposed recreational and sports facilities will, once completed, deliver significant benefits for the community for many years to come.”
Clarisford Sports Ground Project is the brain child of former Irish and Munster rugby legend Keith Wood and will include two full-size playing pitches, one all-weather floodlit pitch, floodlit training areas, 800 metres of walking/cycling trails, changing facilities, car parking and ancillary services.
Meanwhile, the Daughters of Charity service provides support to both children and adults with moderate, severe or profound intellectual disabilities and include day, residential and respite services.
Announcing details of the event, Orla Foley of Boru3Peaks stated: “Boru3Peaks features individual or team events. You can enter one, two or all three events. Boru3Peaks is open to everyone from the speediest hill runner to the casual walker and everyone in between. We look forward to welcoming participants of all ages during what will be a fun and memorable weekend for all.”
BORU3PEAKS DETAILS
Saturday 13th October:
Moylussa (532 mts) – Starting 10 am in Two-Mile Gate carpark, located 2 kilometres from Killaloe on the main Scarriff road. We start by walking up Ballycuggaran forest and then rise above the tree line with spectacular panoramic views of Lough Derg, Killaloe/Ballina, and the surrounding hills and countryside. Up to this point all walking is on well-surfaced tracks, then we climb up onto a bog road up to the highest point in Clare. The bog track will be the biggest challenge of this leg of the Boru3Peaks event.
Saturday 13th October:
Tountinna (457 mts) – Starting 7pm from base of Tountinna. If you have not seen the Lough Derg Valley from any of the viewing points surrounding it at night, than this is the event for you. The path is mostly paved (rough in some parts) with some trail paths in between. There will be plenty of marshals located on the route to ensure you’re on the correct path and safe at all times. The views from the top are a real treat as you can expect to see the whole Lough Derg valley with views extending from Galway to Kerry and all the villages in between as scatterings of light from local villages nestle on the banks of the mighty Lough Derg.
Sunday 14th October:
Keeper Hill (694mts) – Starting 11am in Doonagh carpark, Keeper Hill. This event features the highest of the three peaks and will reward participants with glorious views of the surrounding valleys. A trail takes you up through thick forrest before clearing to reveal stunning landscapes at all points of the compas.
For further information or to register for a Boru3Peaks event visit www.boru3peaks.com or the Boru Tri Club Facebook page on www.facebook.com/borutriclub