RNLI to benefit from Ayleroe stroll

A FUNDRAISING stroll in the hills of Ayleroe will take place on Sunday, June 24. The hills of Ayleroe nestle into the landscape on the banks of the Shannon River between Kildysart and Labasheeda.

The place is a haven of peace, tranquillity and beauty and inspired the O’Neill brothers from Labasheeda, who went to New York in the early 1950s, to record the famous song penned to outline the beauty of the hills, “Below me the blue waves of the Shannon rolled and above me the hills of Ayleroe”.
The stroll is in aid of the RNLI Lifeboats and will begin at 12.30pm, with parking and registration in Cyril Reidy’s field next to the hills. The stroll, which is approximately four miles in a looped walk, will start at 1pm, bringing people over the hills with spectacular views over the Shannon River and back to the hills, where people can sit and view across the river to Kerry and Limerick.
It is all road walking and along the way people will get a chance to visit St Senan’s blessed well, where pilgrims have knelt to pray for centuries.
Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch as when the stroll returns to the hill, local singer Michael Quinlivan will give a rendition of the famous song while people are having their lunch. Suitable walking and weather gear is advisable.
The stroll is the initiative of local people from the area who want to support the lifeboats. Lifeboat crews are all volunteers who give their time so people can be saved from the perils of the sea.
The stroll will be led out by one of the oldest residents in the area, Tim McMahon. Further information is available from Charlie Glynn, Kilrush Lifeboat Station on 086 1996484 or Joe Queally on 087 6260301.