Walk4 Burundi : Diary Update Week 3 (of 4)
18th May: One interesting aspect of these walks is that they also offer parishioners an opportunity to meet (at a distance) as a result of the opening up after the lockdown. Such was the situation on Monday morning when parishioners from Templemartin, Kilmurry and Kilbonane came together for a walk around the old Kilbonane Church.
Aherla lies in a valley so inevitably we ended up on another hill, albeit not as steep as the one we walked down on the return journey. It was a very enjoyable occasion and an opportunity to renew friendships with old friends. Many thanks to the Reverend David Bowles for organising this and for his post walk hospitality. 
Moviddy Union
19th May : Tuesday morning brought Andrew and I to Kinsale where the Reverend Peter Rutherford had organised a group of parishioners and a walk around the town. Despite ONE hill which allowed me to comprehend what gradient really was, weather was good. There was a lovely view over the harbour and great company. My little walk around the diocese was put into context when I met a parishioner who had cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way. Peter had kindly organised a parish collection which was much appreciated , as was the post walk hospitality.
At St Multose Church, Kinsale
20th May : Some Pharisees had queried if a walk from St Annes to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral could qualify as 5Km walk. Despite explaining that we intended to take a Western Route up the Mardyke, Andrew and I put any scepticism to rest by walking from St Fin Barre’s to St Annes before turning back to do the return journey. Many thanks to the Reverend Paul Robinson (St Anne’s) and the Reverend Ted Ardis (St Fin Barre’s) for welcoming us at both ends.
The Reverend Tony Murphy (right) with Andrew Coleman (Diocesan Bishops’ Appeal representative) and the Reverend Paul Robinson (left)
With the Reverend Ted Ardis (Dean’ Vicar – right) at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork
21st May: The weather forecast on Wednesday Night – yellow warning for wind and heavy rain – left us in no doubt that Thursday was going to be a challenging day. This was confirmed by the wind on the motorway travelling to Fermoy. Two faithful souls met the Reverend Gary Paulson and myself in the Adair Hall, Fermoy. A shortened walk ensued on a memorable occasion. Thanks to those who contacted us when the elements prevented them joining our walk.
A very wet day in Fermoy
22nd May : Good weather returned on Saturday morning as, accompanied by Canon Elaine Murray, we headed out on the walkway from Carrigaline to Crosshaven along the old railway track. At the half way point at Drake’s Pool we were greeted by the Reverend Isobel Jackson and friends who accompanied us to the Crosshaven car park. Just when I thought we were finished one of our intrepid group (H) checked her pedometer to declare that we had only walked 4.6km and we needed to walk to the centre of the village to complete 5km, which we dutifully did.
At Drake’s Pool on the way from Carrigaline to Crosshaven
Crosshaven
23rd May: Isobel had indicated that the parish had made a collection from a walk earlier in the month during Christian Aid week. I had suggested that it might be appropriate for me to attend the Pentecost Service, receive the cheque and thank the parishioners in the Church. Despite having fundraised for over 3 weeks, nothing had prepared me for the amazing contribution of €1,247 to our campaign.
The Reverend Isobel Jackson, Rector of Templebreedy Group of Parishes, makes a presentation to Tony in Holy Trinity Church, Crosshaven.
Contributions: As I mentioned last week our initial discussion on a target for this campaign had been in the order of €10,000 – this against a total yearly commitment from all sources of €20,000.
At the end of Week 3 and with 4 walks remaining we have collected €8,338 which is a huge credit to a small diocese in Ireland reaching out to our sisters and brothers in Burundi.
You too can donate online to this 100 km walk for the
Cork, Cloyne and Ross Burundi Maize Project
Click Here
