The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
RECORD temperatures, touching 29 degree Celsius, and a cloudless sky were the backdrop for the recent 12 O’Clock Hills Heritage Tour, which attracted participants from across East Clare and further afield.
The tour, organised to mark National Heritage Week, set off from the Belvoir carpark. The route taken was via the Crag River to view the 19th century Crag Bridges and the river’s mini-waterfall. Much to the satisfaction of the participants, there was a cooling breeze between the trees for this section of the walk.
Walkers were next guided onto the Famine Road. This was to be a link from East Clare to Limerick City to keep people employed back about 1846 during Famine times. Participants were then guided back to see some of the heritage gems dotted around the area.
These include sites whose names are reminders of the lore and legacy of the Hills, such as Paddy Kippin’s place, Matt Moloney’s, Dysart Lyons Stephens, the Stepping Stones and Butter Hole. The walk finished at a cottage belonging to Mick ‘The Blast’ and Mary Anne McInerney, where a cup of tea was served.
John Lyon’s was the tour guide and gave an very interesting account of what life was like back in the early 1900s as related to him by his late father Paddy.
John was assisted by Mary Stephens who is a niece of Dysart Lyons, whose wife also a Mary Stephens. Trish Halpin, a distant cousin of Mary Anne McInerney represented Mary Anne ‘The Blast’ McInerney. Mary Anne lived lived in this remote place alone for a number of years following the death of her husband Mick known as ‘The Blast’. She later moved to a house in Belvoir in around 1969.
The challenge of serving hot tea at this remote location was addressed by John Lenihan, with the help of a generator.
John was ably assisted by Conor Henry and Patsy Neville. The committee thanked and commended everyone who continues to support the 12 O’Clock Hills Recreational and Heritage project.
“We also wish to thank the landowners whose land is in use for the walking tails, and the local neighbours for their understanding of the need for facilities such as this in the area of fitness and mental health,” a committee spokesperson said.
