Diocesan News16 Sep 09

Over 90 take on Cork's Sheep's Head Walk to raise funds for Christian Aid

Over 90 people participated in the Christian Aid Sheep's Head Hike in Durrus, Co. Cork. Walkers aged from 6 to 84 came from Cork county and city, with some travelling from as far as Dublin and Limerick to take on the nationally recognised trail, the Sheep's Head Way.

All funds raised will help support the work of local Christian Aid partners in some of the world's poorest communities. These include 11 partner organisations in Haiti who have received tremendous support from Kilmocomogue Union, Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Last year parishioners in Kilmocomogue raised almost €8,000 for a dairy project in Haiti run by Christian Aid Partner, Veterimed.

The Sheep's Head Hike was organised by Andrew Coleman of Christian Aid Cork, with the help of local supporters Margaret Skuce, Sandra Dukelow and many others. Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Kilmocomogue, who also participated on the walk, gave an inspiring reflection at the half way point. He said, 'We walk today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti who walk paths like this every day to go to school. Often it is the simplest things that make a difference and that can transform our world. We just need to believe that the little things that we do, in faith, can make such a difference.'

At the end of the walk, everyone gathered at St James National School for a reception organised by local parishioners and Christian Aid supporters. The local West Cork Branch of the Red Cross provided support to all the participants throughout the walk.

‘This was a wonderful experience, and I was overwhelmed by the support received on the day' stated Andrew Coleman. ‘The walk lasted over four hours across the wonderful pathways and ridges of the Sheep's Head Way. At the end, although many were tired from the hike, and some sore, they were also delighted at having accomplished it for such a worthy cause. Many expressed a desire to have the walk organised next year.'