After months of online learning, uncertainty about the Junior Cert and upheaval of their exam Year -the 3rd years finally finished their exams on Friday and headed to Killarney for two days of fresh air, great views and chatting with friends. Well done to all on making it to the top.
Tag: Torc
Torc Mountain
Images from the recent Climb of Torc Mountain by Transition Years
The four hour walk took the students from the base of the Waterfall at Torc in Killarney to the top of Top Mountain, a 5km climb of 535m (1755ft) in just over 2 hours. The walk took the steep tourist climb from the base of the waterfall to the top of the waterfall. They followed the Old Kenmare Road between Torc and Mangerton mountains until they reached the south face of Torc. From there it was a trek along the OPW constructed trail to the top where a fantastic 360′ panoramic view was to seen on what was a cold but clear day. In the northly wind it was a crisp 7′C at the top.
Torc Hike
Transition Year Students recently attempted to climb Torc Mountain in County Kerry as part of Hazelwood College’s Mental Health Week activities. The walk started out in some slight rain and slack wind, unfortunately it wasn’t reflective of what was happening at the top of the mountain. The walk turned into one of the most memorable events in years, challenging the positive mental health of each of the participants. With only 300m left to get to the top we had to abandon the walk and head for home such was the strength of the wind approaching the top.
Here are some photos of the day.
Hazelwood College Transition Year students are pictured taking a break in the course of their hike up Torc Mountain. The students participated in the event as part of Mental Health week. The benefits of physical well being for mental health were underlined in the course of their preparations for the walk.
Hazelwood College teacher, Ms Gemma Curtin (left) pictured with Hazelwood College Transition Year students Ciara O’Callaghan (centre) and Edel O’Flynn (right) in the course of their walk up Torc Mountain. The walk, as part of Mental Health Week, highlighted ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’.
Hazelwood College Transition Year students pictured by Torc Waterfall at the culmination of their walk as part of Mental Health Week. Pictured are Back row (left to right): Mary-Kate Fehin, Aisling Enright, Millie Mulcahy, Eliza Reidy, Clodagh Walsh, Mairíde Bennis. Middle row (left to right): Edel O’Flynn, Ciara O’Flynn, Ciara O’Callaghan, Katie Ryan, Molly Kirwan, Megan Nolan, Amy Ryan, Martin Daly, Eoin Enright, Ava Mullane, Neasa Fahy and Jake O’Sullivan, Front row (left to right) Barry Murphy, Ronan Cahill, Michael Brennan and Ben Murphy.
Hazelwood College Transition Year student Martin Daly participates in the Torc Mountain Walk Challenge as part of Mental Health Week.
Hazelwood College Transition Year students pictured in the course of their walk up Torc Mountain, as part of their Mental Health Week Activities. Pictured are back row (left to right) Mary-Kate Fehin and Neasa Fahy. Front row (left to right): Amy Ryan and Ava Mullane
Other Gallery Photos:
Treks and Trails in the Black Valley
As reward for all their hard work over the year and to help some students attain their Gaisce Award, Transition Years recently went on a two day hike to and from the Black Valley in Co. Kerry.
After some morning tea and scones, we set out from Muckross House in Killarney in some sunshine and in high anticipation of good weather ahead thanks to Met Eireann. Our aim was to arrive at Ladies View by mid afternoon and then onto the Black Valley. After a short warm up along by the Muckross Lake, a sharp climb up the side of Torc Waterfall awaited us. Our journey through ever increasing mist and rain took us along the Old Kenmare Road between Torc and Mangerton Mountains which we followed to Ladies View.
Once fed we dropped down to valley floor to hike into the Black Valley. Despite some valiant efforts to stay dry crossing some bogs all was lost when the some brave souls had to go test the tempatures in the local river.
That evening in the hostel the students cooked themselves a Spaghetti Bolognese and a especially tasty vegetarian option (who put in the extra chilli and spices we may never know!!!) for 24 under the watchful eyes of Ms Griffen and Mr Fealy.
Next morning after a good nights sleep on the brand new mattresses in the Hostel. A feed of almost 100 sausages prepared us for the day as we headed for the Gap of Dunloe in what was a grey but dry morning and on to the finishing line of Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
All in all over the two days we walked over 30kms taking in all the sights along the map board fitted to Pat Falvey the famous mountaineer’s shop at our finishing point.
