Trip to Valentia Island

Over the weekend of 20-22 May three of us – Karen our Bookings Officer, Dorothy-Ellen our Fundraising Executive and myself, Mary – travelled to Valentia Island in Co.Kerry. Karen’s boyfriend, Warren, was participating in the island’s annual triathlon. He was doing this in order to raise money for Irish Landmark, and particularly for the Valentia Lightkeeper’s House project. Warren was sponsored by his many friends, family and business acquaintances. We were warmly welcomed by the people of Valentia, and we are particularly grateful to Fiona and Vinny of the Royal Valentia Hotel. They provided us with a table in the room where the triathletes were registering, and allowed us to run a small raffle over the weekend to raise aware of Irish Landmark work.

Dorothy-Ellen and myself headed out at 9am on our journey to Valentia. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed the scenery and sunshine as we drove down the road. (As we passed by Moneygall, we couldn’t fail to notice the many Irish and American flags hung along the main street of this village as they prepared for the visit on Monday of Barack Obama!)

However, as luck would have it, on Saturday, the day of the triathlon, the wind was blowing at gale force and the rain was pouring down. Warren hadn’t done a triathlon before and we were all getting anxious for him. But he was not to be put off. With all the other many triathletes he launched himself into the water to begin the 750m swim, which was then followed by a 20km cycle and finished with 5km run. Warren finished in a good time and in remarkably good condition. We were overjoyed – and so so proud of Warren. This spirit of engagement with the cause of Irish Landmark, demonstrated by Karen and Warren, is one we want to foster and develop further.

The pictures show Mary and Dorothy-Ellen at the table in the Royal Hotel

The pictures below show Warren coming out of the sea after his swim, and Warren completing the run – the final part of the triathlon. This third image is so hazy because it was raining so hard at that time.