Moonlight to midnight walk for lifeboats

A MOONLIGHT walk in aid of the RNLI will take place at the flaggy shore in New Quay, Belharbour on Friday, June 21. This year, the walk coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

The Moonlight to Midnight walk, which has now become an annual event, will take people into the heart of the Burren between the mountain and the sea at the Flaggy Shore in New Quay.

“The Flaggy Shore is one of the most peaceful places on earth. It inspired the great poet, Seamus Heaney, to write a poem about the beauty and tranquillity people experience as they make their way along by the shore, with the great mountains of the Burren at their back and the beautiful shores of Galway Bay at their feet,” said Joe Queally, one of the organisers.

“The walk is special in that it is all road walking and as people make their way down by the lake and along by the shore, the harmony of the great waves can be heard and the salt and brine from the ocean waves is picked up by the winds and pelted at you gently as you journey along in your own thoughts. It is more special in the moonlight and for a lot of people it is an experience they will never forget.

“Many people do the walk with their close friends or family and many journey on their own, just to be in touch with nature and feel the heart and soul within themselves become alive,” he added.

The walk will begin at 10pm and is approximately 8km in length. People are asked to assemble at Mairtin Fahy’s field on the Flaggy Shore at 9.30pm. Anyone who doesn’t know the area can go to New Quay Church, where a steward will direct them the short distance to Mairtin Fahy’s field for parking.

“The walk is all for a good cause because all funds raised will go to help the RNLI Lifeboat fleet. The lifeboat crews are all volunteers who give their time so as others will live. The lifeboat crews appreciate the generosity of people.

“It is also worth to note that the walk is about raising money but it’s not all about money. If you have a few euro to spare, give it to the lifeboats. If you haven’t any money, come on out and be part of the journey with people. You will be most welcome,” Joe concluded.

For more information, contact Joe on 087 6260301.