An epic 17th century march undertaken by the O'Sullivan Bere clan across the middle of Ireland is being mapped out as a 300-mile walking route.
Some 60 groups from towns and villages in eight counties are participating in the Beara-Breifne Greenway, which was initiated in Portumna, Co Galway, yesterday.
The route from Beara in west Cork to Leitrim, and ultimately Cavan, has been described as the largest community project of its kind in the State. The route follows the historic trek recorded by Don Philip O'Sullivan, nephew of the Ó Suilleabhain, Donal Cam. Don Philip relied on accounts from his father and uncle, both of whom took part in the march. Some four centuries ago in June,1602, the home of the O'Sullivan Bere clan in Dunboy, west Cork, was destroyed after the defeat of the Irish and Spanish at Kinsale.
Donal Cam and his supporters engaged in a campaign of revenge, but his herd of 4,000 cattle and 2,000 sheep were taken by Crown forces, and he was faced with starvation. They had no choice but to set out for the O'Rourkes in Leitrim, and did so in bitter winter weather.
Over 1,000 men, women and children left the Beara peninsula, but only 35 arrived in Leitrim some weeks later, with just one woman among them.
Some left to settle along the route, and can be traced through the O'Sullivan surname in counties Limerick, Tipperary and north Cork. The Harringtons in the west and surnames such as Collins and O'Shea can also be traced back to the original clans. This winter, a re-enactment of the march is due to take place, and a cycling route should be ready for next year.
Also next year, the 400th anniversary of the march is to be marked by a chain of festivals, which will include walking, cycling, and musical events.
The permanent walking route should be completed by 2004, according to Mr Jim O'Sullivan of the Beara-Breifne Greenway. The project was initiated by Beara Tourism, and has the support of Cork-Kerry Tourism, Bord Fáilte, the National Waymarked Ways, the Clans of Ireland and 11 local authorities. The Heritage Council has also given its endorsement, and has recommended that it be part of the European Greenways network, which involves easy access to walking routes in five European countries. For more information, Beara-Breifne Greenway's website is www.bbgreenway.org
