Cork mountain climbing club marks 50 years

Cork Mountaineering Club marks its 50th anniversary this year.

Established in November, 1975, the club has a long history of mountaineering activities.

The first president, Bill Gregor, contributed to the club’s early development, and he continues to take part as a member. He earned his mountain leadership qualification in 1976, enabling Cork Mountaineering Club to offer ongoing internal navigation training and to mentor leaders for our newly-formed club.

The club joined the Federation of Mountaineering Clubs of Ireland (FMCI, now Mountaineering Ireland) in 1975. Bill served on the FMCI executive committee from 1976-1978, establishing a tradition of ongoing Cork Mountaineering Club involvement at national level.

In 1993, the Cork club hosted the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI, now Mountaineering Ireland) autumn meet in Glengarriff, with some of the Irish Everest expedition members in attendance.

Subsequent meets were hosted in Bantry (2000) and Macroom (2008).

The club’s environmental focus increased through work with national committees, leading to the appointment of our first environmental officer, Aodhân Quinlan, in 1998.

Each environmental officer since has introduced initiatives such as workshops, environmental walks, talks and slide shows of local flora and fauna, and mountain cleanups.

Up to the 1990s, Cork Mountaineering Club hosted a popular annual beginners’ rock climbing day at the Old Head of Kinsale for members. Summer trips to the Burren, Sherkin lsland and Connemara always included walking and rock climbing.

Peaks climbed by our members are too many to mention, though we would like to mention that Pat Falvey, an honorary member, climbed Everest in 1994 and 2004.

Our club publications include A Rock Climbing Guide to Kinsate & Oysterhaven - a compilation of local routes climbed by members from the mid to the late 1970s. lnternally, we have published booklets for our 10th, 21st and 40th anniversaries.

In 1977. Cork Mountaineering Club created and hosted the Beara Border Walk, a 65km three-day route along the Cork/Kerry border, crossing the Caha and Slieve Nliskish mountains.

We formed a subcommittee in February, 2024, to plan for our 50th anniversary; it was chaired by Phil Fitzpatrick.

A year ago, we launched our anniversary programme of events. Bill Gregor, first president and honorary member, opened this event, giving a short synopsis of the history of the club. This was followed by a slide show, the launch of club buffs and a 2025 calendar.

Our first anniversary walk took place on New Year‘s Day at Corrin Hill, led by Frances Hedigan O’Toole, a member since 1975. Sixteen members braved the cold and reached the summit, despite a sudden shower obscuring the view. Afterwards, participants enjoyed champagne or apple juice and homemade mince pies.

In April, Bill led 27 members on our second anniversary walk from Millstreet to the top of Claragh Mountain. The weather was ideal, and participants enjoyed the views, conversation and reminiscing. After lunch and a brief remembrance for deceased members, the group paused for a song at the summit before most headed to Macroom for refreshments.

Our five-day trip in West Cork, based in Bantry, was also on the anniversary programme, organised by Noreen Gregor, who coordinated accommodation and walk leaders. Thirty members had a choice of walks on Hungry Hill, Sheep’s Head peninsula and the Cailleach Beara Loop. We enjoyed a sunny day on Oileàn Cléire, visited Garinish Island in bloom, and explored Glengarriff Nature Reserve.

In July, Pat Punch led our third anniversary walk to Cnoc Baoi (Knockboy) (706m), Cork’s highest point. At the summit, we toasted Cork Mountaineering Club’s 50 years and, in true club spirit, had a sing-along and lots of reminiscing. After a fairly easy descent, we enjoyed coffee and more chat in Ballylickey.

In late August, members took part in a seven day walking trip in Austria, organised by Mâire Curtin as part of the anniversary programmes

The fourth and final anniversary walk in late September saw Leonard Godsil invite us to walk Cork’s bridges and learn about the city’s history on a 5km walk.

Our final event for the year was a 50th anniversary dinner last week. The evening included a rolling slide show, a memory tree for deceased members, and a photo display.

What truly sets our club apart is the spirit of togetherness and the enthusiastic participation of every member, leader, organiser and walker who brings energy and warmth to each event.