Knocked for a loop in Tipp

A charity walk at Upperchurch doesn't just offer spectacular views, but also a glimpse into an impressive community, writes JOHN G O'DWYER

THE PROBLEM with elections is that we only get to vote for politicians or aspiring politicians. We never get to ballot for many equally deserving individuals who eschew the sycophantic patronage, unending compromise and relentless attention-seeking of political life to work quietly but tirelessly for the betterment of communities.

Certainly there seems to be something in the air around the tiny parish of Upperchurch that breeds altruistic localism and self-effacing endeavour. For decades now a small group of individuals have worked tirelessly and unremunerated to make this area of the Tipperary uplands a byword for proactive rural development. Latterly they have been justly rewarded, with “Brand Upperchurch” acquiring a muscular appeal that attracts improbably large numbers of visitors for even innocuous local events.

Now the names of community activists Joan and Gerry Quinn are unlikely ever to appear on a ballot paper but, nevertheless, when they announced a fundraising walk of the Knockalough loop for the Cents2help charity, I knew there was little danger of a solitary outing. In fact it was abundantly clear, as we exited Upperchurch and ascended the sylvan expanse of Knockalough Hill that hundreds of well-wishers had literally voted with their feet.

In every walking group there are those who can’t take slow for an answer and soon we were spread out like an elongated caterpillar on the sunlit hillside. Drawing on many years experience of walk leadership, Joan and Gerry remained unfazed however, for they had cannily anticipated varying fitnesses and so halfway uphill they offer the option of a shorter loop.

This presents a dilemma. On the one hand I feel the need to make a decent effort for those who have drawn the shortest possible straw in life, but the easier choice of the fireside in Kinnanes hostelry and a Munster rugby game also proves tempting. So I wrestle briefly with my conscience – and lose. Principle triumphs over pragmatism as I head dutifully upwards towards Knockalough summit with marvellous views opened to the west across the bewitching bleakness of the Slieve Felim highlands and the crowning glories of Mauherslieve and Keeper Hill misting on the western horizon.

Continuing upwards on rustic tracks we enter the summit forest at a convenient stile. Immediately afterwards the local community draw on a seemingly bottomless reservoir of talent by providing memorable entertainment in the form of music, song and story. Here we learn we are now walking hand-in-hand with the ghosts of the past – for in 1601 Red Hugh O’Donnell chanced this way on his heroic but ultimately catastrophic march to defeat at Kinsale.

With sweet melodies still in our ears we contour around the mountaintop until Joan Quinn suddenly reappears to offer us an even longer walk option. This prompts another struggle with my conscience but this time I am prepared. Using an approaching rainstorm as my trump card, I hold out for a narrow victory. Soon afterwards, with the aid of local man Pakie Purcell, who had now taken stewardship of the group, I head down the shorter route to the trailhead.

The valley below us is an outrageous storm of colour as we continue towards Upperchurch village. Then the landscape darkens and an egregious hail shower envelopes us. My companions push ahead with heroic indifference, but I have halted to adjust my waterproofs when a car stops and I hear a welcome “sit in”.

The driver is Thurles curate Fr Tomas O’Connell, and this time my conscience doesn’t even bother to battle. I hop on board gratefully and soon afterwards am enjoying a sumptuous beef stew provided by Fergal Butler in the community hall.

Later, while secure among friends in the cosy, firelit surroundings of Kinnane’s pub, I learn that the day has shown contemptuous indifference to the age of austerity by raising more than €8,000, with more promised. This leads me to conclude that if communities could stand in elections, Upperchurch would surely top the poll.

* See upperchurch.ie for details

Route Knockalough loop walk

Getting thereFrom Thurles take the R498 Nenagh road for 2km. At the junction signposted Limerick take the R503 and continue for about 13km to a crossroads with a sign for Upperchurch. Go left and you will come to the Knockalough trailhead after about 500m.

SuitabilityStrenuous ascent and very exposed – bring warm clothing and raingear, follow the purple arrows and don't stray from the marked route.

Time/distanceAbout 10km, should take about three hours.

MapFrom the Upperchurch Community Centre (0504-54443).