At the end of May, our MSC pilgrim group took on a six-day journey along the historic St. Declan’s Way, raising funds for the vital work being done on the infant twins’ care programme in the rural village of Maker Kuei, South Sudan. Under the expert guidance of Phil and Elaine at Celtic Ways Ireland, our pilgrims undertook a truly unforgettable journey along the ancient pathways of Ireland’s eastern coast.
Our group was based in the beautiful Glencomeragh House, which was built in the early 1800s and is an oasis of prayer, peace, and tranquillity, with a waterfall and ponds on the grounds for visitors to enjoy. The first day of the pilgrimage saw our group meet and settle in their rooms in Glencomeragh House, making new friends and preparing for the journey ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, Day Two signalled the start of our walk, beginning at the Rock of Cashel with a private tour by renowned author and travel writer John G. O’Dwyer. “We had a brilliant private tour of the Rock of Cashel,” says Mary, one of our pilgrims. “It was really interesting, he had some fantastic stories.”
A 12km walk took our pilgrims through the Golden Vale, stopping in an old friary in Lough Kent. Here, Fr Tony Horgan celebrated Mass, and the group enjoyed lunch together. “It was absolutely beautiful,” Mary recalls, “surrounded by birdsong and flowers. It was very pretty.”
The day ended with a walk by the riverbank in Cahir, and dinner together at Glencomeragh House. Day Three began with another private tour at Cahir Castle, before spending some time at the beautiful Swiss Cottage. The weather was glorious, and the sun shone all the way to Ardfinnan, where local guide Conor met the group. “We had lunch under the trees,” Mary tells us, “and the children were hopping into the water in the River Suir. It was just gorgeous.”
The group had Mass in Lady’s Abbey, joined by a new friend – a 96-year-old lady with a life’s experience to share. “Fr Tony’s Masses are so gentle,” Mary says. “They are just lovely.” Our pilgrims also enjoyed a special reflection along the Cahir River Walk, and a delicious dinner in a pub in Kilsheelan. Celebrations were in order for our guides, Elaine and Phil, as it was their eighth anniversary, and the evening ended on an extra-special note with a hot air balloon sighting at the day’s end, highlighting the pure magic of this journey.
On Day Four, our group took on the Knockmealdown Mountains, beginning at the Liam Lynch Memorial. This magnificent Round Tower monument is surrounded by four greyhounds, representing each of the four provinces of Ireland. Our pilgrims were joined by local guide Mark, and dog, Ludo – “the most adorable black Labrador I’ve ever seen in my life!” says Mary. “The walk was stunningly beautiful,” she tells us. “As you’re walking, you’re seeing this green, fertile land, and then all of a sudden, you come to a grey, rocky landscape, and the contrast is just incredible to see.”
“You’re just in awe,” Mary continues. “The stories that we heard were fascinating. Our ancestors had a lot to contend with!”
The day continued with a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey. “All we could hear was the sound of the birds, and the cuckoo’s call,” says Mary. “We also saw a deer, it was just beautiful. We were all very quiet on the journey back to Glencomeragh, because we were tired after the walk, but also because we were just overwhelmed by the sheer beauty we had seen that day.”
That evening was a special one. Monday’s guide, John G. O’Dwyer, joined the group again with his lovely wife, Carmel, and our very own Fr John Fitzgerald and Fr John Finn made the journey up from the Sacred Heart parish in Cork to wish our pilgrims well. “The piece de resistance took place that evening,” says Mary. “We had the most beautiful vigil for peace, led by the Island of Ireland Peace Choir. Phil and Elaine actually started this choir, and arranged the performance for us, and it was just the most joyous experience. The weather was like nothing on earth, we were surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, it was like being in a cloud of joy.”
Day Five took the group to Lismore Castle. “We were accompanied the whole way by a little rabbit, he was there guiding us the entire time,” Mary recalls. Our pilgrims spent some time exploring Lismore, before travelling to Dungarvan for a gala dinner to mark the finale of an extraordinary journey. Everybody received a certificate, and shared special memories of a wonderful week. Each pilgrim shared their favourite moments of the week. “One of mine was the beautiful Mass we had on the first day,” says Mary, “and another was the concert by the Choir of Peace, it was the most amazing performance.”
On the final day, our group walked to Ardmore, where we were welcomed by Fr. John Fitzgerald, who joined the pilgrims on the Ardmore Cliff Walk. Local guide James led the way, with an expert knowledge of all things Ardmore. The final Mass of the trip took place in the old section of the cathedral in Ardmore, concelebrated by Fr John and Fr Tony. “It was an amazing week,” says Mary. “Our group was wonderful, we really did have great craic! There was a singsong every night – Fr Tony’s special was Stairway to Heaven!”
“We were all so grateful for our own reflections, and especially for the people of South Sudan, who we did the walk for.”
With sincere thanks to all who made our first pilgrimage along St. Declan’s Way such a special one, from our pilgrims themselves, to Phil, Elaine, and all the local guides, to our MSCs who contributed along the way – and of course, everybody who supported us, helped us, or contributed to a truly wonderful cause. Fr Alan Neville MSC sends a special message of thanks and encouragement from South Sudan.
