There will be an official opening and reception on Friday night in Upperchurch Hall to which all members of the public are very welcome. The evening will feature talks by two well known Thurles based speakers. Fr. Tomás O'Connell will give an account of his experiences of the Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage walk in northern Spain and John Gerard O'Dwyer will give a talk on "Walking Tourism", with particular reference to the local Tipperary context.

Prior to the opening on Friday night, South East Mountain Rescue will be displaying their new state of the art Rescue Vehicle. This is the first of its type to be brought into Ireland and includes all the most modern features. It is on standby for all mountain rescue operations as well as being on call if needed by Gardai or Civil Defence. A sponsored walk held in Upperchurch last year helped fund the purchase of this vehicle.

There will be a total of nine walks between Saturday and Sunday ranging from a fairly easy 8 km to a very demanding 18 km for the super fit. These include three National Loop walks. The usual complimentary refreshments will be provided after all walks. Walkers are advised to wear suitable clothing and to bring a snack and a drink. Waterproof footwear is essential in the current weather conditions. No dogs allowed.

Brochures are available in local shops and libraries or by phoning 0504 54443 from 10 to 2 weekdays or 086 0518934 at other times or by email to info@upperchurch.ie or visit the website at www.upperchurch.ie. Proceeds from the weekend will go to the Tonga Islands Tsunami Fund. Sr. Eileen Dwyer from Drombane is with the Sisters of Mercy in Tonga.

The organisers wish to thank all the local landowners for their cooperation. The organisers are also grateful for the assistance of the Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Shannon Development and Fáilte Ireland.

Programme of events:

Friday November 6 at 8.30 pm.:- Reception and official opening in Upperchurch Hall with talks (see above) by Fr. Tomás O'Connell and Mr. John Gerard O'Dwyer. All welcome. South East Mountain Rescue Vehicle on display prior to opening.

Saturday November 7:- Knockalough – Dooree Walk, 18 km, start 10.00 a.m.

Knockalough Walk, 8 km, and Red Hugh Walk, 10 km, start 12 noon.

Slí Éamoin an Chnoic, 8 km, start 12.30 p.m.

All above walks start Upperchurch Village.

Sunday November 8- Clodiagh – Owenbeg Walk, 14 km, start 11.30 a.m. Ryan's pub, Rosmult on Thurles - Upperchurch road.

Birchill Nature Trail Walk, 8 km, start 12.30 p.m. at Ryan's pub Rosmult.

Knockalough and Red Hugh Walks, start 12 noon, Upperchurch Village.

Slí Éamoin an Chnoic, start 12.30 pm, Upperchurch Village.