Lincoln Ramblers Group, UK
by Miriam Smith

What a difference a good leader makes

Some of the Lincoln Group went to Ireland for a week in May to walk 'Kerry Gems' with a company called 'Go Ireland'. This company organised our accommodation, meals, transport and walk leadership. Our guide was a young man, Noel O'Leary, in his twenties, obviously very fit and capable of far more than we 'oldies' were. All except one of us were pensionable age and some had infirmities. It seemed that Noel spent his summers in Ireland, leading walks and his winters in New Zealand teaching abseiling and other pursuits. How would he cope with us?

The answer was brilliantly. He quickly learnt our names, our capabilities and eventually who was married to whom. Because he knew every route we took like the back of his hand he was able to go up and down the line talking to everyone. When one of us was in difficulties he appeared at our side and offered help and encouragement. One had difficulties going up the hills - he stayed with her encouraging her. She started by saying she would only walk on alternate days - with his encouragement she walked every day.

Many streams required stepping stones where they had been washed away during the winter. Noel was to be found placing stones so that we and the next group of people he took wouldn't get their feet so wet. Once, he gallantly walked through a flood that came over his boot tops to help members of the group walk along a parapet.

He appeared 'laid back' but showed respect and tolerance not only for everybody he met but also for the animals and the environment.

Because he had a lot of time built in for contingencies he wasn't dogmatic about the walk length and time but made sure we had enough of refreshment stops including a pub or teashop at the end. This still left enough time to get back and clean up before our evening meal. He seemed to rearrange walks so that the strong wind was behind us for most of the walk. He consulted us about arrangements for our day off and then organised it for us, including booking a restaurant for our evening meal. We didn't have a bad meal or a day that wasn't interesting.

As well as praising our leader we would like to add a special thank you to our unofficial back marker Bill Smith. Poor Bill always seemed to be on hand to help those who had difficulty getting up hill (and me going downhill).

This part of Ireland (Kerry) is to be recommended for walking. The views are magnificent and walking on the bogs is good fun too.