I wanted to take the opportunity to express, on behalf of my fellow members in the Lucan Hedgehogs Special Olympics Club, our sincere thanks for the wonderful day you provided for us last Saturday. I know I won’t forget it for a long time and judging by the number of phone calls I have received, a repeat performance will be required!
As you are aware, we are Club for those with special needs in the Lucan area. When you visited us on two occasions, at our training sessions in Lucan, you caused quite an amount of a stir. The offer of a day trip was wonderful and we invited Maeve, Robert and Daniel to participate, along with myself, John and Damien, who is Daniels dad and a colleague of yours.
We arrived in beautiful Glenmalure, with the sun shining amid the stunning mountains - not having a clue what was in store for us. I must admit my concerns were exclusively for myself, as our three athletes are extremely fit. I turned to Damien at one stage and told him I thought I was the oldest person there and therefore the ‘Mammy’ of the trip – I was relieved that he disabused me of that notion. We then waited for the gang from Ballymun to arrive, another fit looking bunch who had also participated before in one of these jaunts. Once again I felt old, but thankfully had not put my two feet into it, when I discovered that two of their participants were actually teachers in their school. Introductions were made and we then split into two groups.
The aim was to walk over the mountain from Glenmalure to the Glen of Imaal, stopping at the top for lunch. As we walked up the mountain, it started to snow lightly and at various points along the route, you could look over the valley and see the sun, light up the side of the hills or even more spectacular, the snow on the top of Lugnaquilla. However, it was not just the scenery that was fascinating to watch – even better, was watching the dynamic that was starting to evolve among the team. And yes, I correctly state ‘team’. Ability, geography, age and position all blended together as we worked to help each other to the top.
For most of the walk I brought up the rear with Maeve, who struggled at times with the effort and needed to be cajoled. I was amazed by the manner that people slipped back to either take our hands to pull us along or just to keep us company. Michelle, you make an inspirational role model not just for girls but for all young people. While your calling is towards the fire services, there are so many youth organisations that would benefit from your skills. Eoin – teacher extraordinaire, was amazing. His gently persuasion and easy company made the steep inclines a pleasure. Beautiful Shona from Ballymun was kind and funny and sweet. I lost my heart to Packie - a thorough gentleman and if I was a lifetime younger he would be just my type. I think however, that Packies heart belonged to someone else in the group!
While shared hardship is a great leveller and naturally leads people to gel together, this could not have happened without the superb organisation of Michelle, Eamon, Paul and Damien. In my work life, I have to manage people, and it’s a stressful balancing act. However, these four people could provide leadership and management courses to the business community and make a fortune at it. Instead, they give of their talents and free time to those of us who most need it. I was fascinated to watch how they managed to get a motley crew to work together and make it look effortless. The secret to their success is the respect they showed each and every individual who participated. But what most impacted on me was the way that Daniel and Robert, two members of my Club, came into their own on Saturday. The hike was like a Sunday stroll for them, as they moved back and forth between the two groups offering words of support.
We reached the highest point in the Glen and stopped to eat our lunch. The view was memorable as there was still snow on the mountain top. Eamon organised a game to keep everyone warm. The motto of Special Olympics is ‘let me win and if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt’. All the members of the group, on the mountain top that day fulfilled this – however, the overall winner was from a club in West Dublin – but I don’t want to rub it in.
The descent into the Glen of Imaal was steep but the sun made the place look like paradise. As Damien warned all the participants not to pick up anything they found on the ground, we were reminded that it was almost 30 years to the day, that a group of young people from our village in Lucan, met with a tragic accident. The place however is breathtaking. Thank you Damien for your support as we made the descent into the Glen of Imaal. Thanks also for the geography and history lessons of the area – I loved it.
As we neared the woods, we faced a challenge. We had to cross a mire to get to a bridge. I watched as the teenagers sank knee deep in mud, to great delight and my own heart sank with them. Maeve had changed her clothes, including her socks and this obstacle did not look very inviting. Sir Galahad, in the form of Eamon came to the rescue and piggy backed her across, amid great cheers. The kindness of strangers springs to mind, but Eamon provided another very poignant memory, as he fed Maeve later, from his precious ration of Beef Casserole.
We were on the home run and supposed to leave before the group set up camp. An incident with a puddle, caused me to wonder if Paul would manage to escape a dawn raid attack, that was being planned as we were leaving. It sounded akin to the siege of Bagdad. We were reluctant to say goodbye and followed the gang into the woods as the prepared their dinner. Pot noodle with a difference. Those casseroles were amazing.
Sadly, we had to leave. Earlier that morning, I had been looking forward to getting home to watch Ireland play Bulgaria. Now I felt disappointed to be leaving behind this group of people that we had bonded so strongly with. One of our new friends from Ballymum told me that this had been the best day of his life. Old cynic that I am, would have laughed a few days ago at this suggestion, however, having participated in the day could understand his sentiments.
Our club is a ‘Special’ Olympics club, but Michelle, Eamon, Damien and Paul, your club is just as special. Never underestimate the value of what you do – it is immense.
Thank you for all your efforts. Thank you for introducing us to the young adults from Ballymun and their equally young teachers. Thank you for extending this invitation to us. Thank you Daniel and Robert – I’d have you in my corner any day. And a very special thank you Maeve, for dragging me up and down the mountain.
Finally, the anthem of Special Olympics in Ireland is ‘May we never have to say Goodbye’. I found it difficult to say goodbye on Saturday evening. We don’t want to say goodbye to any one you and would like to extend an invitation to all of our new friends. How would you like to meet the Hedgehogs in their natural habitat in Lucan. We are a basketball club and would love an afternoon tournament between the RDF, our Ballymun friends and the Hedgehogs. This will be followed by a bite to eat (not to the standard of the Pot Noodles I’m afraid) and a disco.
Promise that you will stay in touch with us.
With lots of love
Annette Healy, PRO, Lucan Hedgehogs
- See pictures from this expedition here.
- Home Page of the Lucan Special Olympics Club
