St. Matthew’s GAC would like to thank all club and non club members who participated in the sponsored hike, fundraising for the club. A big thank you also, to everyone who provided refreshments at the summit and again on our return to the Club hall.

The hike turned out to be an enjoyable event for all who took part. We had participations from all age groups with the youngest walker being Conor Irwin aged 5 and the oldest John Mulgrew aged 81.

The hike …..

We gathered at Gelvin Old School on Sunday morning and set off at 10:30am with the sun on our face and spirits high. We quickly progressed to Tannyranny, where Eugene McCloskey gave a short talk on the history of the old ruin, allowing everyone to catch their breath in preparation for the steep climb up the face of Benbradagh.

Ciaran Mullan set the pace his enthusiasm on occasions had to be reigned in to allow strugglers from the 40 club to catch up (Anthony Doran, Geoffrey Devlin, Sean O’Connor, Terry McGilligan).

The climb was slow going and conditions under foot didn’t help, but everyone reached the summit, where once again we rested to take in the fantastic views of Drumsurn, Gelvin, Dungiven and Donegal in the distance.

Once rested we started our descent down the back of Benbradagh making our way to the old American base, where refreshments were served and Dermot Rafferty took the opportunity to deliver a short history on the base.

With everyone fed and watered we started the final phase of our journey, making good progress towards Lenamore forest with thoughts of the finish in our minds.

On exiting the forest into the open countryside and then onto Gelvin Road the spirits were high and practical jokes were being played in abundance. The return to Gelvin Old School offered everyone the opportunity to view their accomplishments, which stared them straight in the face. All hikers then made their way to the Club hall for much earned substance and banter.

To enable St. Matthew’s to monitor the success of the fundraiser could everyone please collect and return their sponsorship money at their earliest opportunity. All monies can be returned to Dermot Rafferty, Micky Coll, Maria Canning or any club committee member.

St. Matthew’s Drumsurn would again like to thank everyone who made the day possible.

Photographs from the event will soon be ready for viewing in the gallery of the web site.