CROAGH PATRICK HERITAGE TRAIL FESTIVAL 2009

CROAGH PATRICK HERITAGE TRAIL FESTIVAL 2009

Extract from Press Release March 2009

So what is special about the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and how did it come about? The Tóchar Valley Rural Community Network is a network composed of representatives from community councils from the following 18 communities: Aughagower, Balla, Ballyvary, Ballyglass, Ballintubber, Ballyheane, Belcarra, Brackloon/Drummin, Carnacon, Clogher, Hollymount, Islandeady, Killawalla, Manulla, Mayo Abbey, Murrisk, Partry and Tourmakeady.

In the mid Nineties a survey carried out in Co Mayo by Dr Jim Frawley, of Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre, showed that only 7% of Mayo farmers at that time were viable and highlighted the importance of off farm income. Responding to the results of the Teagasc Survey the Board of the Network set out to research the various sources of off farm income available to the local farmers in the Tóchar Valley.

The board of the network concluded that a trail or walk acting as a spine starting in Balla and finishing in Murrisk would be the ideal catalyst to stimulate diversity in income generation. After 10 years of endeavour and leading a magnificent partnership the 61 km trail had now become a reality. The Tóchar Valley Rural Community Network is delighted and very proud of their achievements.

The Manager of the Network Sr Maureen Lally stated “The trail is a product that is the essence of partnership we did not do it in isolation. We worked very closely with the local landowners who were excellent in their generosity and understanding. Without them we would not have a trail today. Llikewise, we got tremendous support from Mayo Co Council, South West Mayo Leader Company, The Rural Social Scheme, County development Board, FÁS, The National Trails Office, The Irish Sports Council. The Way Marked Way Advisory Board, The VEC, Mayo Vocational Educational Committee, Fáilte Ireland and Gno Mhaigh EO, all of whom played a key role within the partnership”.

We hope this community driven initiative will serve as a powerful inspiration and source of encouragement and hope for other rural communities in these economically challenging times.

The Network communities have come to truly believe in ‘Margaret Wheatley’s’ words: “There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about”

Maureen Lally, Manager, Tochar Valley Rural Community Network