Hopper’s Way date fast approaching

On Sunday, June 30, the villages of Carrigaholt and Kilbaha will provide the stunning backdrop to a unique fundraising event called Hopper’s Way.

The event is planned as a fundraiser for Pieta House. It is also a gathering for the wide circle of friends and family of the late ‘Hopper’ (Emmet) Ryan of Kilkee, a much-loved and widely missed member of the peninsula’s community. Hopper’s Way not only honours his memory and celebrates his unique character and deep love of the Loop Head Peninsula, it also recognises the shadow of illness that fell across the latter years of his life and in doing so hopes to raise public awareness of mental health issues and highlight the help available through centres like Pieta House.

Currachs will row out from Carrigaholt pier into the Shannon Estuary to be joined by a group of kayakers, then on towards Kilbaha. Walkers and runners, also setting out from Carrigaholt, will pass beside the lush summer hedgerows on their way to Rinevilla Bay, then on past Rehy Hill, down by the Grave of the Yellow Men and onwards to Kilbaha. Afterwards, everyone will come together for a barbecue, some great music, a fun raffle and plenty of craic.

Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to follow the event’s Facebook page ‘Hopper’s Way’, where updates and time schedules will be regularly posted. Some training will be provided for those wishing to row in a currach (email sophieryan@eircom.net, if interested). Kayakers should contact Matt Corbett on 086 6055711.

Registration will take place on the morning in Carrigaholt. Anyone wishing to donate directly to the charity can do so on www.mycharity.ie/event/laura__ryans_event/

Closer to the date, a full schedule of events and times will be published.