Join Easter Monday hike to freedom
THIS Easter Monday a historical hike is taking place on the mountains outside Newport.
Starting at 10 a.m., members of the public are invited to take a trip back in time to May 1921, and the aftermath of the Kilmeena ambush, where Michael Kilroy's West Mayo Flying Column retreated back to the safety of the Nephin mountains after an attack on a large force of British soldiers.
On hand will be relatives of members of the column and locals whose forefathers and foremothers looked after the men and led them to safety through the mountains despite hundreds of soldiers, RIC and Black and Tans, combing the area searching and terrorising the locals for the location of the men of the West Mayo Brigade.
The day begins outside Brannan's bar and accommodation in Newport at 10 a.m. where local taxis will bring walkers to Skirdagh, the village outside Newport where the volunteers retreated to all those years ago.
From here there will be a reading of the Proclamation and an account of the events from the War of Independence in the area from locals as you follow a trail around three to four kilometres that was used by the volunteers.
After some light refreshments, again in line with what was around in 1921, it's off to the mountains (those who wish can return to Newport at this point by taxis provided).
Along the way on the hike to Birreencorragh (695m) walkers will be passing along the Irish flag - 'the flag of the people given back to the people'. From Birreencorragh it's down to Letterkeen to the bothy where there will be homemade boxty for all before taxis bring everyone back to Newport.
Later that evening there will be Irish music and a singsong in Brannan's and a (real) traditional Irish stew buffet.
As places are limited, anyone wishing to attend this historic event is asked to contact John at (087) 6391777 or message the Wild Nephin Mountains or Nephin Begers page on Facebook, or you can email chambersmichael367@yahoo.com.
There will be a small fee required to cover the cost for taxis, food and music for the day.
This is a non-political event to remember all who sacrificed so much for us, and all are welcome.