Despite the harsh weather conditions on Sunday last, the fifth of the 2010 Flight of the Earls walks, led by Radio personality Donncha O’Dulaing organised in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association took place from Strabane to Raphoe via Lifford and Ballindrait.
The walkers from Strabane were greeted on the bridge in Lifford, by Mr. Brendan Rohan on horse back, and troops fully clad in authentic attire from this keystone episode in Irish history. This scene from the Flight of the Earls period really was spectacular and created a buzz for the volunteers on the day. A special thanks to Charlie Gallagher who provided the periodic costumes and to Helen McDaid, Dunfanaghy stables who loaned the horse for the event.
The walkers were led to the Old Courthouse in Lifford where Mr. O’Dulaing was welcomed to Donegal by our newly elected Mayor Cora Harvey and Clr. Gerry Crawford. Mr. O’Dulaing was presented with a Flight of the Earls study pack and a book on the life of St. Columcille. Donegal County Council also donated additional Flight of the Earls study packs to Mr. O’Dulaing, which will be given as prizes on his radio show.
The programme for ‘The Flight of the Earls’ walk is divided into two segments – The Irish Walks and the European Journey. The next series of walks take place on 15th August,when walkers will walk from Letterkenny to Ramelton and the Irish walks conculde on 12th September with a walk from Ramelton to Rathmullan, where the Earls left from in 1607 to find refuge in Europe.
The European tour will leave Dublin on the 20th September 2010. During the ten days participants will visit many place of historical significance including Les Buisonnetts (home of St.Therese) and a spectacular walk in the Alps through Jungfrau Valley. The final two days of the tour will be spent in Rome visiting many of the wonderful sites this amazing city has to offer.
For further information on the Irish Wheelchair Association fundraising campaign and the walks, please contact
Helen Martyn on 087 241 5896 or the Fundraising Department of IWA on 01 818 6469 or by email donncha@iwa.ie