By Con Dennehy

Walkers will put their best foot forward this month when Tomies Wood in Beaufort will form the picturesque and breathtaking backdrop for a special walk to commemorate the memory of local man Jamie O’Sullivan.

Friends, family and community will gather at the scenic location on Saturday June 11 for the 'Remembering Jamie' walk, an occasion to reminisce, share stories and remember a young man that made an indelible impact during his short and memorable life.

A native of Gerah in Beaufort, Jamie lost his brave and dignified battle with cancer in 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time, many of his friends and wider community were unable to celebrate his life, his many talents and his ability to touch the lives of so many people in a variety of ways.

Now his family, parents Patricia and Simon and his brother Diarmuid, have organised a walk to remember Jamie with all funds raised on the day going to the Kerry Hospice Foundation Night Nurse Programme.

“Jamie was just 31 when he left us. He had an intrepid nature, was a music lover, social animal and had a deep lust and love for life. He lived in London and Dublin, but home at the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks was his endearing love, a place he called home and an area that inspired him. Jamie lost his hard fought and extremely brave battle with cancer in 2021,” Diarmuid said.

“His book, 'The Powerful Nan Nee', was a joyous labour of love, written during his cancer battle which he fought with dignity and passion. The book is a beautiful work, enjoyed by children and the not so young, and is a fitting legacy of a wonderful, talented and creative man that illuminated life and touched the lives of so many people in a variety of loving and caring ways.”

Registration for the Tomies Wood walk will start from 10am on Saturday morning June 11 in the main car park at Tomies Wood with the walk starting at 11am.