This year marks the 14th anniversary of the Comeragh Crossing, from Clonmel to Dungarvan. The walk has developed over the years into a national event, and has raised more than €110,000 for charity. The committee led by John Neylin have organised a great day on the mountains, catering for walkers of all levels and fitness. Last year over 160 walkers took part.
Behind the scenes there are over 60 enthusiastic members who volunteer yearly. They man the checkpoints; lead the walkers over the route; brew the tea on the mountaintops; and make dinner back at the check-in; and still remember to turn on the hot water for the showers!
There are actually 4 different options available to walkers on the day. The Comeragh Challenge which is approximately 40km. long with about 2000m of ascent. The average walking time is approx 10 hours, though 2 hardy men finished it in less than 6 hours yesterday. The Comerach Crossing is approx 30km. long with 1150m of ascent. There are three stages to the walk and it is possible to join at either Stage 2 or Stage 3, later in the day.
Invariably this means that communications (assuming nothing happens) is mostly about “missing” walkers, walker leaving the walk and needing transport, and making sure that no walker goes missing between manned checkpoints.
One checkpoint in the Nire Valley poses a particular challenge, and, as a back up, communications were establised with 80m NVIS mode propagation to ensure communications between this location and base in Dungarvan.
Members participating included EI8JA, EI5GOB, EI2IT, EI3ENB, EI2KA and EI7IG, with operation being wrapped up at approximately 19:00, with all walkers accounted for and en-route back to base.
The operation position
EI5GOB and EI8JA taking a break before deployment.
