by Sean Moriarty

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ALL AGE GROUPS: A young competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne Killarney National Park.

AWAKE: A competitor passes by the site of Cloch Mochuda where Bro. Mochuda of Innisfallen Island fell asleep for 200 years.

MAP CHECK: A competitor in the ancient woodlands of Killarney Demesne during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.

MAPS: Over 500 people took part in the four-day event.

NAVIGATION: Ivan Vasilkov finds his way through Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships last weekend.

PARK RUN: Michael O'Brien in action during the Irish Orienteering Championships.

RUNNING FREE: Aine Rickard was one of 500 athletes competing in the event organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.

RUNNING: Patrick Ryan was among the 500 athletes who competed in the championships organised by Kerry Orienteering Club.

SEARCHING: A competitor deep in the woods of Killarney National Park during the Irish Orienteering Championships.

Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan

Organisers of the Irish Orienteering Championships which took place last weekend have praised Killarney which hosted the four-day event.

Over 500 athletes competed in the championships which were organised by Orienteering Ireland and facilitated by Kerry Orienteering Club. The event started with a sprint race in Muckross House Estate on Friday. Saturday’s action took place near Cappanalea on the shores of Caragh Lake. Sunday the competitors visited Crohane Lake near Kilgarvan for their classic event. The action concluded on Monday with a relay race on the grounds of Knockreer House. Registration and prizegiving took place at the ANAM Arts Centre on East Avenue and the same venue hosted Orienteering Ireland’s AGM on Saturday. Following the events the organisers contacted Mayor Marie Moloney to praise the facilities on offer in Killarney. “The AGM was followed by an Irish music session and a demonstration of Irish dancing which was held both within the centre and outside,” Mayor Moloney said. “On Sunday, Dr. Una May, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Ireland, addressed the association. “Since this event, the organisers have contacted Killarney Municipal District to express their delight with how this event went and to compliment the functionality of the ANAM Centre.”