Mourne Seven Sevens Success

On Saturday 29th July 2023, our four original intrepid hikers Andrew Baird, Josh Porter, Corey Large and Gareth Moffett, were joined by two more club members, Jeremy Greer and Paul McCullough, to take on the challenge to climb all seven peaks in the Mourne Mountains that are 700m or more above sea level.

Raising funds for the Southern Area Hospice Services, the climb would cover a distance of 18 miles on the day with 2,500m of vertical ascent. The group were also joined on the hike by friends and Mourne fans, Steve McNeill and Astrid Strohsahl.

Club Chairman Andrew told us how the day went.

"It was an early wake-up call for everyone as we started our hike at 6.30am. It took us twelve hours to cover our planned route through the Mourne's, starting at Carrick Little we climbed in order Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan, Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Meelbeg, finishing back at Carrick little."

"Overall everything went smoothly. The weather was great for the first four peaks then we had a few showers of rain, hail and the odd burst of thunder during the last three. All four seasons in one day isn't unusual in the Mournes!"

Andrew added, "It was a shocking start for Corey however, when he realised he had left his walking boots at home, just as we were all getting ready to start at Carrick Little car park! Not to be beaten, he soldiered bravely on getting the first four peaks done, in which time Josh had been able to coordinate with his dad to get Corey's boots left at the Hare’s Gap, just in time for the last three peaks in the rain!"

Andrew was keen to highlight "What made it all worthwhile was the brilliant response to our fundraising for the hospice, our original target was well beaten. A big thank-you to everyone who contributed to make our final total £4,288. The generosity shown is really appreciated by the group and by the Southern Area Hospice Services team."

It certainly was a tremendous effort by all involved, well done and congratulations from everyone in the hockey club!