Tipperary volunteers and walkers cross The Cunnigar to raise funds for community causes

A large contingent of Tipperary walkers and marshals were involved in the organised seaside walk of the Cunnigar in Dungarvan last week to raise funds for the 115km St Declan’s Way hiking trail between Cashel and Ardmore.

The walk called An Trasnú - The Cunnigar Crossing 2025 took place across the 3km sand spit in Dungarvan Bay on Sunday, August 24 in beautiful summer weather.

Walkers departing from Dungarvan in the direction of The Cunnigar

It was run in aid of the Community Hospital in Dungarvan, Dungarvan Lions Club and to help raise matching funding for a St Declan’s Way’s project at St Declan’s Well, Toor in Clashmore in west Waterford.

Members of Clonmel’s Peaks Mountaineering Club, Knockmealdown Active tourism and trade promotion voluntary group which has members based in Ballyporeen, Clogheen, Goatenbridge, Ardfinnan and Newcastle took part in the event as marshals and walkers.

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So too did Súil Eile social walking group based in Clogheen and west Waterford as well as several Waterford community groups.

They included Dungarvan Hillwalking Club, Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise and Dungarvan Lions Club and some who volunteered independently.

Following registration in the Dungarvan Sports Centre, the walkers listened to St Declan’s Way Chairperson, Gráinne Moynihan explain the historical precedent for the crossing in the days of horse and cart.

She recounted how those who could not afford the ferry from the Cunnigar to Abbeyside walked from the Cunnigar to Dungarvan across the Brickey river and back again.

She thanked the teams of marshals for stewarding the walk.

Once the tide dropped to the right level, the lead team of marshals crossed the Brickey River with the walkers staying closely behind them.

They circled the tip of the Cunnigar and proceeded to walk 6km around the oyster beds towards Baile na nGall.

The views of the sea, of Dungarvan, An Gaeltacht and the Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountains were superb with the marshals keeping everyone moving at a good pace to finish the walk before the arrival of the incoming tide.

On arrival in Baile na nGall, walkers were greeted with outdoor traditional Irish music by Na Fánaí at Tigh an Cheoil and many whiled away the afternoon with a welcome pint of Guinness in the summer sunshine.

The organising team of St Declan’s Way and Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise and the great Sheila Gaughan thank everyone who helped support the event.

The combined skills of the organising team and their marshals helped create a superb experience for all. The final tally on funds raised will follow in the weeks to come.

Will Smith of Peaks Mountaineering Club, Clonmel, Mary Prendiville and friend, Dick Lincoln and John Foley took part in the The Cunnigar Crossing walk

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