The Good Friday Walk 2013

"Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day" ----  March 29th ----Good Friday, the day of the Good Friday 5mile Walk in the beautiful Caltra, Castlemagerret, Crossboyne area of Claremorris. The morning was cold but fresh with a beautiful blue sky  as the people  came to register for the WALK. They were jolly and enthusiastic creating a wonderful atmosphere while they had a nice warm cuppa before setting out on the WALK and the children accompanied by their parents were so excited.  Before the commencement of the walk I greeted the people, expressed my thanks and that of the Kenyan families, for their participation and detailed how and where their hard earned money, which they so generously donated,  was spent. And with that they started on their walk at 11a.m.

People were confronted with climbing hills both at the start and finish, the start being the toughest but with the beauty of the area  and the presence of Rose and Colleen of the Claremorris Irish Red Cross the hills went un-noticed. Some people took the walk as a challenge seeing if they could better their time from a previous time others simply walking as briskly as needed in order to keep the cold at bay.  So much laughter could be heard on the way and many stories and jokes told and shared.  As usual there were water points but water was very little in demand owing to the chill of the day which was a disappointment to the children who were helping there with their parents.

The first person to arrive back at the Stables was Tom Waldron who had decided that he would run the distance and did so admirably.  Everybody talked about how much they enjoyed themselves with some people admitting that it was challenging for them but very enjoyable and for some first timers they pledged to return next year and for many years to come. One person said to me when she arrived back  "That was some 5 miles, you need to get out your measuring machine again and re-check!!!"   There was a nice welcoming atmosphere for the walkers on their return with tea, coffee, soft drinks, biscuits, fruit and sweets especially for the children.  Certificates were also available for people who wanted them and of course they were very popular with the youngsters.  It was a nice time also when people could chat with me and ask questions about the families and about life in general for the Kenyan people.  Their interest was amazing. The people were so delighted when I announced that their donations would feed and support the TWO FAMILIES for the next TWELVE MONTHS.  What an achievement and congratulations to everybody involved.  The commitment of time, energy and goodwill is immeasurable and never to be forgotten. 

 

By one o'clock the show was over and the tidy up began but the seed for next year's Good Friday Walk had just been sown.

On behalf of the Kenyan Families and myself: Go raibh mile maith agaibh, Asante Sana, Thanks you very, very much and may God bless you.  Janet