Over 120 people took part in scenic hike in aid of St Declan's Way

Caption for picture above: Walkers gathered on the grounds of the historic Mount Melleray Abbey last Saturday before embarking on the 10km hike along part of the St Declan’s Way in the Knockmealdowns to raise funds for the 115km way marked pilgrim walk between Cashel and Ardmore.

More than 120 walkers put their best foot forward over the stunning mountain terrain of the Knockmealdown Mountains along the Tipperary/Waterford border last Saturday to walk part of the St Declan’s Way.

The 10km walk, that started and finished at Mount Melleray last Saturday, was organised by the St Declan’s Way Steering Committee to raise funds for the way marked pilgrimage route that starts in Cashel and ends in Ardmore.

The walk’s proceeds will specifically help the Committee raise matching funds required for grant applications that are in process.

There was widespread support for St Declan’s Way at the event. Walkers travelled long distances to take part in the walk.

There were several hikers from Dublin, Limerick and Kilkenny with many others from Tipperary, Waterford and Cork.

Many were walking in Mount Melleray and along the St Declan’s Way for the first time, which was hugely encouraging to see.

After some words from Fr Denis Luke of Mount Melleray Abbey and Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of the St Declan’s Steering Committee, the walkers set off on a wonderful 10km route which took in all the highlights of the area.

They climbed first to the Holy Year Cross, travelling onwards to Knockboy Hill before joining St Declan’s Way at Knocknafallia.

On their return, they passed the Source watercourse (supplying water to the monastery via a 4km piped route), the Well House and The Ponds before arriving back to the Abbey.

The weather was glorious and contributed to a wonderful day. The St Declan’s Way team will be involved in organising a Christmas Walk with the monks this December, more of which will be advertised in the coming weeks.

St Declan’s Way Steering Committee thank Fr Denis Luke and the monks of Mount Melleray, the landowners, the walk leaders, the Melleray Ladies Club, Michael O’Rourke and his team, Glenpatrick of Clonmel and Knockmealdown Active for helping them run the event last Saturday.

“We would also like to thank the walking public, our community groups and our landowners all along the trail for their continued support. It is hugely appreciated,” said Gráinne Moynihan.

For information on upcoming events sign up for updates at www.stdeclansway.ie.