Burren rambling and singing for RNLI

THE annual RNLI Burren Ramble was launched at the weekend by Fair City actress Aoibhin Garrihy. This year’s event, which traditionally attracts between 400 and 500 people to the area, will take place on September 11.

“We are embarking on a 10k walk this year that will begin at the beach in Fanore and continue along the shoreline as far as Blackhead Lighthouse. A wonderful feature of this year’s walk will be a superb 30-minute concert performed at the lighthouse by four solo singers from the world famous Lismorahaun Choir. This peaceful recital will take place between 2.30pm and 3pm and will enable the walkers to have their lunch, while being entertained by the music. The ramble will continue on then, moving in by the mountains of the Burren landscape and back down the green road, as far as base camp,” explained one of the organisers, Jennifer Ryan.
This September marks the 15th anniversary of the Burren Ramble. All proceeds from the day will be in aid of the RNLI Lifeboats.
“The lifeboats are a voluntary organisation, who greatly rely on the men and women who give their time so generously. The lifeboat fleet save approximately 14 lives every week around the coast of Ireland and badly need your help in doing so. The Burren walk this year not only invites people to come and make a contribution to this worthy cause but also to take in the beauty and spectacle of the Burren,” Ms Ryan outlined.
“The ramble this year not only encompasses the splendour of the mountains but also gives people a chance to touch the waters of Galway Bay. This experience allows you to sit in your own company or amongst friends on the craggy limestones listening to our own people in our own place. The melodic voice of the ocean and the great winds that howl around the edge of the Burren is a truly magical experience. On the walk, you are also given the rare opportunity to share in the sounds of the singing seagulls, the cries of the curlew and the colourful puffins at the shores edge. The coast has seen a lot of grief in the past 12 months. This ramble is giving the chance to anyone who has suffered in the past to come out and share in this magical experience with others and bring peace and tranquillity into their own hearts and minds,” she continued.
“There are a lot of people to thank for taking the time to come together and organise the ramble this year. One such man is founder and conductor of the Lismorahaun Singers, Archie Simpson. This year’s concert at the lighthouse also makes a special exception to those who may not wish to take part in the walk. Parking will be available close to the lighthouse and those who wish to come and hear the music are asked to be in the car park by 1.30pm. They will be able to make a contribution to the lifeboats if they wish. Nonetheless, if you cannot contribute on the day, we really hope to see you there,” Ms Ryan added.
There will be four singers taking part in this year’s performance at the lighthouse. Seventeen-year-old Katie O’Donohue, a niece of John O’Donohue, has been a student of Archie’s for the past 10 years. Another of his students, Ailbhe Howard, is 19 years old and is studying music in Dublin. Peter O’Donohue is a graduate of the DIT Conservatory and has travelled and performed extensively with the Three Young Tenors. He is a regular performer of opera in Dublin and a very well-known vocalist around Clare. Katie Daly will also sing on the day. She has finished her degree course in music and settled in Clare.
The organisers and co-ordinators of the Burren Ramble “are delighted to have such world-class talent on our doorsteps”.
The singers will perform a variety of repertoire on the day from opera arias to Irish favourites. They will be accompanied by pianist and accompanist Roy Holmes.
“The RNLI lifeboats carry out extraordinary work. The effort and time they give, night or day is priceless. We want to continue supporting them in their work and without your help we cannot do this. The walk this year is for everyone. It will be a magical, worthwhile, entertaining day,” Ms Ryan concluded.
Anyone wishing to take part should bring with them a packed lunch and suitable walking and weather gear. Base camp will be located in the car park at Fanore Beach at 12.15pm for a 1 o’clock start on Sunday, September 11. Sponsorship cards and any other information are available from Jennifer Ryan on 086 0723206 or Joe Queally on 087 6260301.