A winter solstice trek to the Paps of Anú last December raised €3700 for the Kerry Hospice Kerry Hospice Foundation.

Last  year the charity walk was held in memory of Johnny ‘The Rock’ O’Brien, who sadly passed away on St. Stephen’s Day, 2022.

Johnny was the heart and soul of Glenflesk area , a caring farmer and neighbour who lived his life on his own terms.

Walkers left from Garries Bridge 6.45am on December 23 and made the long walk in darkness to the summit, which has two strenuous inclines, leading to the Western Pap at 690 Metres.

These ancient sacred summits, ‘The Paps of Anú’, are in the Derrynasaggart Mountains close to the Cork-Kerry border. The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mysticism and majesty.

At approximately 8.45am sunrise, on December 23, and craic began, with Glenflesk’s finest musicians Derry and Rosie Healy, setting the pace for a Kerry polka set, followed by a rendition of ‘For these are my Mountains’ Johnny ‘The Rock’ O’Briens favourite song. Mountaineer Donie Mulcahy and crew guided the walkers to and from the summit.

Donations were on the morning of the walk and the proceeds of this collection were handed over the Kerry Hospice Foundation this week.

Don O'Leary and staff of the Kerry Way Bar, Glenflesk, provided complimentary coffee and scones to the walkers after the trek.