All set and ready to go from the squre in Dromcollogher in fabulous weather. — Dromcollogher Broadford Youth Trip to Mount Brandon —
On Thursday 30th June the youth from Dromcollogher/Broadford left Dromcollogher led by Fr. Frank O’Dea P.P.to climb Mount Brandon. We left Dromcollogher at 8am all excited. The weather wasn’t kind to us. In Newcastle West two experienced climbers joined us, Seamus Lyons and Paddy Guiney.
On the journey to Dingle we were keeping an eye on the forecast with technology on the phones. The rain came down heavy as we approached Mount Brandon. Seamus and Paddy gave us a bit of advice on the climb, to take our time, watch our steps, stay together and have fun. There were 14 teenagers on the trip. Fr. O’Dea asked us all to take a stone and as there were 14 Stations of the Cross up the top of Mount Brandon each one of us would drop a stone at every station and remember someone that we knew was sick or needed our prayers.
As we headed up the mountain the weather was getting worse, with the driving rain and wind we were struggling. We got to the seventh station, just half way and Fr. O’Dea advised us not to go any further. Some were disappointed as they were up for the challenge. It was decided that due to the weather we would all stick together and not go any further. Health and safety had to come into play. We were soaked through and through.
We headed into Dingle for a few hours to enjoy hot food and a bit of craic. At 3.45pm we all assembled back at the bus. The weather began to improve. We decided to take the scenic route home by Ventry. We stopped at Páidi O’Shea’s pub to take a few pictures. We travelled along Slea Head. The view was fabulous and the sun was shining. We took the road home by the Conor Pass. We stopped again for more pictures as the view was beautiful.
Fr. O’Dea treated us all to ice cream in Blennerville. We travelled on home, arriving back in Dromcollogher at 7.30pm. We all truly enjoyed the day and would like to thank Fr. O’Dea and the pastoral team for organising a great day out. Also thanks to Mairead Hogan and Kitty Duggan for proving us with a car in case of an injury and to Seamus and Paddy for their company.