Remembering my dear friend Anne
Walking with Anne was a joy, some days were warm, some wet sometimes sleet or even snow but they were all an adventure. We never knew what was ahead, many times we got lost ending up miles from where we should have been, Carron, Glenina and the miners way bewildered us and our destination was always a mystery.
The hills were tough, no talking on the way up and joy at the top.
Lunches were thoroughly enjoyed, soggy sandwiches, chocolate bars and at Christmas always some of her home made cake.
During the walks, tales of her beloved family, Boris, books, films, the garden, her travels and of course the house in Kerry. Mint humbugs, orange segments all packed to perfection in her rucksack lined with a black plastic bag.
For the annual club away trip Anne always favoured Vincent Lamy. Vincent always looked after Anne with a kettle in her room and a suitably paced walk, I think Vincent realised Ann was a special person and should be treated as such.
Anne loved her walking club and would welcome new people with great enthusiasm. She often talked about climbing Lugnaquilla and was very proud of that, Kevin O Kelly was her hero on that day as he gently encouraged her upwards a few steps at a time all the way to the top.
The annual marathon was another great day out for Anne and she took great pride in completing the course.
She loved her monthly walk with her friends where she frequently led them through fields of cows with her stick held high, the bravest of the bunch.
Her phone calls to her friends and always one on Christmas eve, her lunches and coffee mornings with them and she liked nothing better than planning an away trip with them.
Walk on Anne, may the hills be few and the walks many, you will be missed more than you could ever realise, you were a true lady.
Grace Kenny
Galway Walking Club 