A celebration of the Winter Solstice on the sacred Paps of Anú mountain will take place on Saturday morning, December 21.
With kind permission of landowners Seán and Mary O’Donoghue, walkers will depart in darkness at 6.45am from Garries Bridge, which is the first bridge after St Agatha’s Church, Glenflesk on the main Cork Road.
This year’s chosen charity is Killarney Water Rescue which is a voluntary team of dedicated people whose mission is to respond, support and assist in search and rescue on a 24/7/365 basis.
The crew members train on the Lakes of Killarney, practicing navigation, emergency first aid, hands-on practice in boating skills, rope work, weather charts and rescue techniques.
Kieran Caulfield, Chairman of Killarney Water Rescue, remarked: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as this year’s charity.
“New equipment and training are key to us providing a service and availability 24/7. The Lakes of Killarney are magnificent but the weather can turn unexpectedly. If we can make the difference through our voluntary service saving one kayaker or rescuing a swimmer in difficulty, then donations will have made this happen.”
Donations to Killarney Water Rescue can be made on the morning at the Kerry Way.
The long walk in darkness to the summit has two strenuous inclines leading to the Western Pap at 690m and, at approximately 8.45am, sunrise will begin.
John Lynch, whose family are neighbouring landowners, will perform an ancient ritual of placing a piece of holly into the cairn on the summit.
Musicians Derry and Rosie Healy and Michael MacGillycuddy will set the pace for the Sliabh Luachra Polka and vastly experienced mountaineer Donie Mulcahy and crew will guide the walkers to and from the summit.
The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mysticism and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly, fertile, abundant and protective.
It is compulsory to wear a head torch and a good level of fitness is required. Proper walking boots and rain gear is advised. Guides will be on duty for gear check before departure.
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