Date: Saturday July 2nd 2005

For further information, contact: Michael J. Power
Phone: 058 42617 or 058 42412
E-mail: info@dungarvanhillwalking.org

"I think you have become one of the best challenge events in the country .. well integrated locally .. choice of levels .. everyone has their Everest." - Simon Stewart

Welcome from the Chairman,
The George Harney Memorial Walk and Challenge is the biggest single event in a very busy Club calendar. In nine years, it has grown into one of the most popular National Walks, catering for all grades of walker from the recreational strollers to the dedicated summit-baggers, supporting many good causes in the process. Whatever your level, there is a walk to suit you. Years of fine tuning by a dedicated organising committee ensure close attention to detail, right down to the - tired but happy - social dimension! See you at the tea station!
Ray Bradfield.

In the early months after its foundation in 1995, Dungarvan Walking Club struggled to find suitable and interesting walks. When George Harney joined the Club, his experience and knowledge gained while working with Coillte gave the Club the lease of life it needed. His knowledge of surrounding forestation and low lying mountain walks was of immense benefit and laid the seed for the Club to become what it is today.

In Sept. 1995, George complained of feeling unwell whilst on a Club walk on Knockanaffrin Ridge. This was to be George’s last walk with the Club and sadly George passed away on 1st Jan. 1996. The Club was devastated by the loss of a great member, an experienced walk leader and a friend. It had been George’s ambition that one day the Club would undertake a long distance walk between Clonmel and Dungarvan; and so on 21st June 1996, George’s wishes were fulfilled with the 1st Annual George Harney Memorial Walk. To date, there has been 8 such annual events and it is now without doubt the Club’s biggest undertaking every year.

In 2000, the Club recognised that the Walk – or Comeragh Crossing, as it had now also become known – was generally becoming widely accepted as a National Walk and so introduced the challenge element to it. From the beginning, the Club also recognised that such a major event could attract sponsorship for local worthy charities. Each year, 50% of the monies raised goes to the local West Waterford Hospice, which was so good to George in his last few months and the remaining 50% raised is donated to a charity nominated each year by Club members. This year, the proceeds of sponsorship will be shared with the South-Eastern Mountain Rescue Association

To date the event has raised €83,000

This year, the 9th annual George Harney Memorial Walk & Challenge takes place on Sat. 2nd July 2005.

The Walk
Approx. 35km with an ascent of 1,150m with beautiful scenery on a good day but has proved a difficult walk on an inclement day. The average time to cover the full route is approx. 10 hours. There are 3 stages to the Walk and it is possible to join the walk at the start of Stage 2 or Stage 3. Entrants can join a group led by experienced leaders. Experience is needed to complete the entire 3 stages.

The Challenge
40km long with an ascent of 1,920m. Participants must have completed other long walks with at least 1,500m climbing or more. This is a walk for the well experienced, with a high level of fitness.