A CROSS-PARTY gathering of Oireachtas members yesterday radiated sweetness, light and good humour.
Far from the Dáil chamber, which will remain silent during the three-month recess, some of our public representatives donned outdoor clothing and boots for a 10km trek up the Sliabh Beagh mountains in Monaghan to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Group leader Jimmy Deenihan, Fine Gael spokesman on sport and former All-Ireland winning Kerry GAA football captain, said his colleagues had rolled up their sleeves and completed the walk over tough terrain. “More importantly, we managed to generate money for an extremely worthy cause,’’ he added.
Among those participating in the third annual Houses of the Oireachtas hillwalk were Fianna Fáil’s Minister of State Áine Brady, Dr Rory O’Hanlon TD and Mattie McGrath TD; Fine Gael’s Frank Feighan TD, Seymour Crawford TD and Senator Joe O’Reilly; Labour’s Mary Upton TD and Liz McManus TD; Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, and Independent Senator Ronan Mullen.
Mr McGrath, who has had a controversial few weeks opposing Government legislation on stag hunting and dog breeding, enjoyed the break from the cut and thrust of Leinster House.
“The weather was good, and the atmosphere was cordial,’’ he said. “We all talked and encouraged each other to keep going.’’
Chief executive of the Alzheimer society Maurice O’Connell thanked the TDs and senators for their fundraising efforts.
