News
Ballyhar woman and daughter win Reeks District luxury adventure break
A Ballyhar woman and her daughter will enjoy a post-lockdown luxury adventure in the Reeks District after their video won a Facebook competition organised by the tourism agency.
Annie Rose Vogels, supervised by mom Maureen Hegarty-Vogels and dad Thys Vogels, took on the challenge of creating a video of how they could complete the Reeks District Big Five Challenge during lockdown after a selection of Big Five Adventurers posted an appeal for people to try and better their own efforts from a video campaign launched in mid-April.
As soon as restrictions are lifted, the pair will get to enjoy their prize that includes the cream of Irish adventure activities, including climbing Carrauntoohil, kayaking on Caragh Lake, cycling the Ring of the Reeks, surfing on Inch Beach and taking part in an after-dark SUP adventure on Lough Cloon.
Throughout they will get stay in lakeside luxury at Carrig Country House and dine in some of the region’s best restaurants such as Ard Na Sidhe Country House on Caragh Lake and Killorglin’s Sol Y Sombra.
The Big Five Lockdown Edition competition was launched in mid-April when adventure tourism companies in the Reeks got together to create a fun video showcasing how they were keeping their adventure spirits up during the COVID-19 crisis.
Their video was seen by more than 30,000 people who were challenged to create their own version of the film – and two of the entries were chosen for the final reckoning in a battle to see which effort got the most Facebook ‘likes’.
After five days of keen voting as the finalists mobilised their friends and family to vote, Maureen and Annie’s version held a narrow 831-764 victory over the entry from fellow finalist Kilcummin-based Geraldine O’Halloran and her family. In total, the two videos were seen more than 10,500 times.
“We are all keen mountain climbers, love the outdoors, hillwalking, kayaking, cycling, so the prize is right down our alley,” Maureen said. “We love the idea of the Big Five initiative and it really will be a family adventure for us, while also an amazing challenge. It’s really something to look forward to once lockdown is over and we can make a weekend of it.”
Chair of the Reeks District Jens Bachem congratulated Maureen and Annie for their superb win.
"Commiserations to Geraldine and her family who produced such a strong effort themselves. We launched the Big Five Lockdown Edition competition to try and give people something fun to do, as well as remind people that the Reeks’ amazing outdoor adventures are here waiting for them as soon as restrictions are lifted. The Reeks District would like to offer a huge thanks to all who made this happen; our Adventurers who created their own videos with such great enthusiasm, all the businesses who have helped provide the prizes, the public who watched and voted in the Grand Final and, of course, our two finalists for their great videos.”
The Big Five Challenge Lockdown Edition entry mechanic and a full list of participating businesses can be seen at www.reeksdistrict.com.
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.
Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.
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