Walking Festival lauded as 'best ever'



Connaught Telegraph 31 Jul 1996


The chairperson of the Castlebar International Four Days Walks has spoken of the unqualified success of the 30th anniversary of the event.

Elaine Devereux said the festival broke new records in the numbers participating.

In her review of the annual walks, she stated: "We catered for 1,213 walkers, our biggest number ever. The walkers represented nations as far apart as Japan, New Zealand, America and the Czech Republic.

"There are few other festivals in the country that can lay claim to such a distinction."

Speaking on RTE Television, she made the point that the festival received poor financial support from Bord Failte, adding: "We seem to be getting on alright in spite of very little funding."

In a letter to the Connaught Telegraph, she thanked Mrs. Ita Staunton, chairperson, Castlebar Tourism Action Committee, and Mr. P.J. Hennelly, president, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, for their help.

"Not only were they with us for the days and nights of the walks, but they were with us throughout the year. Their encouragement and help was greatly appreciated."

Ms. Devereux added: "We have seen a significant increase in our numbers over the last few years.

"We are confident that with the continued support of the local community, this growth will continue and the Four Days Walks will flourish, confirming Castlebar's position as the walking capital of Ireland."

The festival received a tremendous boost by the decision of RTE to provide special coverage of the event. Western Correspondent Jim Fahy and producer Linda Sherlock produced a colourful documentary which captured the mood and unique atmosphere of the festival.

The documentary, which was screened during a peak viewing time, can only benefit the festival in future years. The programme, shown during a Nationwide news special, focussed on the truly international flavour of the event, as well as the sheer beauty of the environment through which the walkers were taken during the four days. In an interview with Jim Fahy, President Mary Robinson, who attended the closing ceremonies, was glowing in her praise of the festival and its organising committee.

SWISS IMPRESSION

A Swiss walker, Adrian Kubler, has written of his impression of the walks.

"When I checked into Castlebar for the walks, I was made to feel how uncomplicated the Irish people are. A nice person did all the writing for me.

"For the first day I decided to do a 40km. walk. On the route, I realised why Ireland is called the Green Land. The green colour predominated the nature and calmed my eyes.

"The route and most of all the weather had a lot of variations. I celebrated the achievement of my first day with a few pints of Guinness.

"I decided to do the ramble on the second day with over 300 other people. I was impressed with the route over land and stone.

"It was a pleasure to see how people helped each other surmount drains and other obstacles. On the way back to town, a group walked together and sang.

"On the third day I did another 40km. walk as training for the Nijmegen Walks in Holland. In opposition to the countryside, the weather didn't change much. It rained all day.

"I did the ramble on my final day. Again I was impressed with the reciprocal help when crossing the streams.

"Back in the hotel I received a marvellous medal for my walks. I thought I might be able to swap it for waterproof clothes!

"The farewell party was marvellous. I took part with one laughing eye and one crying eye. Laughing because the evening was beautiful and I made a lot of new friends. Crying because I had to leave Ireland the following day.

"It was hard to leave Castlebar on Monday morning. My thanks to all the people who organised the walks. My thanks to all the people who sweetened my life in that beautiful place on my first trip there."

The members of the Castlebar International Four Days Walking Committee were delighted to have Mr. Luke Heaneu, president of the International Walking League, open the event.

It was also a tremendous boost for the festival to have Mary Robinson, President of Ireland, in attendance for the closing ceremonies.

Mary Robinson also presented medals to walkers achieving their gold (ten year) and silver (five year) medals.

Here's to the next thirty years.



Connaught Telegraph - News - July 1996

Connaught Telegraph - Sport - July 1996



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