Castlebar International Four Days Walks 2020 cancelled

THE 2020 Castlebar International Four Days Walks have been cancelled.

It was scheduled to take place from July 3 to 6 next.

In a statement tonight, the organisers outlined: "With sadness, we announce  the cancellation of the 2020 Castlebar International Four Days’ Walks.

"We are in unprecedented times and as a community, we all must play our part. The safety of our walkers is paramount.

"This is not just on the roads, on mountains or rambles across the countryside.

"Our duty is to ensure that no one is at risk in any way when partaking in our event.

"That includes travel to and from Castlebar and any social interaction with other participants.

"We therefore have made the tough decision not to go ahead with the walks this year.

"In 2001, after 34 years of walking, we cancelled our event in the midst of the foot and mouth crisis.

"This was to support our main stakeholders, the land owners and farmers, who facilitated our walks through access to their lands.

"We bounced back the following year; stronger. We have no doubt we will bounce back from this too, stronger too.

"We are making this decision now so people know where they stand with any plans or preparations they may be have been making.

"We have contacted those who have already booked with us to make them aware of the situation and also have been in touch with our suppliers of accommodation, foods, transport etc.

"As a local community and as a global community, we must follow the advice of the experts.

"They assure us that by following this advice, we will flatten the curve.

"We all have to play our part and Castlebar International Four Days’ Walks part now is to cancel for this year so we can all walk together stronger and bigger next year.

"Remember, you’ll never walk alone. Stay safe everyone."