At a recent reception at city hall in Kilkenny, Mayor David Fitzgerald welcomed thirty members of The Saturday walkers club.
Started in 2012 by then mayor Seán Ó hArgáin, the focus was on Kilkenny being a healthy and active city. According to Seán, “I had recently travelled my own journey of improving my levels of fitness and health and I wanted the opportunities for others, particularly men, to be able to make the same journey.”
Fast forward ten years, and Mayor Fitzgerald praised those in attendance for bringing a richness to the history of Kilkenny which otherwise may not have come to the fore.
The Newly elected mayor saved special praise for Paddy Neary, and Maireann Kelly who had overseen five hundred and twenty eight walks , covering the last ten years .
To mark the occasion, Cllr. Fitzgerald presented a certificate to Paddy Neary, Maireann Kelly and Seán Ó hArgáin. Thanking the mayor, Paddy Neary said that it was hard to credit that the group had covered so much ground and lasted so long.” Our walk today, marks five hundred and twenty eight walks over ten year without missing any Saturday.”
The walks have covered a multitude of topics including the history of the river Nore, the famous Colles marble works, the ancient mills, as well as treks outside the city envoirns to such places as Kilcooley Abbey, The Ahenny Cross, Castlecomer mines and Windgap.
Maireann Kelly also spoke of the great friendship that has built up over the years and said it was wonderful to be learning about Kilkenny history with so many friends. .
Concluding the event, Mayor Fitzgerald thanked all the walkers for their great efforts in keeping the history of Kilkenny alive and passing it on to the next generation.
