***Vintage Fit4Lifers at Croagh Patrick, Saturday 13th September*** A group of 11 Fit4Life ladies headed into the West on Saturday to climb Croagh Patrick and enjoy a rare night away in the company of some of the earliest Fit4Life members. When we say early, we mean eminent and distinguished; not old, obviously. It was also a real who’s who of the Fit4Youth coaching assistants. Ann Kennedy, Bernie McGrath, Ger Fagan, Ger Ryan, Kay Gilmartin, Margaret Leddy, Margaret Rowan, Patricia Gallagher, Ruth O’Dwyer, Sheila Coyne and Susanne Heavey all made the trip on a glorious sunny day that offered spectacular views of the mountain and scenery all round. This was a maiden voyage for 6, 2 had ventured before and Mayo natives Ann Kennedy, Ger Ryan and Margaret Rowan learned to walk on Croagh Patrick;-). Our years of Fit4Life fitness came to the fore and we scaled the summit in 1hr 50 minutes even after several stops to enjoy the fabulous scenery, have the chats, take photos and have a few nibbles halfway up. Sure you know what we’re like, and we’re no different on tour! The climb was challenging but thanks to our excellent Fit4Life training, we were more than able for it and were rewarded with fabulous clear views at the top. We wasted no time heading to the chapel to pray for a fine day for the Family Fun Day, for Mick and Dave to complete their marathon challenge safely and for all club members and our fellow Fit4Lifers to generously sponsor them at training this week for their incredible achievement. Amen! (and God forgive us!) And then it was feeding time again until Kay MacGyver Gilmartin started inflating balloons with a pump produced from her rucksack. Ger Ryan disowned her loudly on behalf of us all; thanks Ger! In Kay’s defence, they were for the Jack and Jill “climb a hill” appeal that some of us registered for in advance, the rest of us will donate retrospectively. We made our way back down the mountain again through a combination of walking, strutting (Fit4Life outing remember), zig-zagging, skidding and sliding. The descent was less strenuous than the climb, but definitely more tricky. We had 5 nurses amongst us ready to cater for any medical emergency; thankfully there were none. And then it was back to Westport for dinner with Christine Bleakley at the hotel (sort of, well she was there). She left Frank Lampard at home; didn’t trust him around us! A great night out was had by all. Many thanks to Ger Ryan for organising every aspect of the trip superbly for us. You’ve earned yourself an annual gig Ger. There’s already talk of a 2-nighter in Kerry next year. Bring it on! Well done ladies on a great achievement.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:28:25 +0000
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